Studies in Romans
Presentation 28
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS:
OPENING REMARKS: 1:1-17
BAD NEWS : Universality of sin and its condemnation 1:18 - 3:20
GOOD NEWS : A gospel that changes our relationship to God 3:21- 5:21
HOW TO GROW AS A CHRISTIAN : 6:1- 8-39
Sanctification 6:1-23 Union with Christ and its implications
The Place of the Law 7:1-25
Life in the Spirit 8:1-39
A SHORT DETOUR : Questions concerning Israel 9:1-11:36
HOW A CHRISTIAN OUGHT TO LIVE : 12:1-15:13
Principles of conduct 14:1-15:13
The weak and the strong 14:1-23
The example of Christ 15:1-6
Receiving one another 15:7-13
PERSONAL GREETINGS : 16:1-27
Presentation 28
Studies in Romans
Principles of Conduct
Chap 14v1-15v13
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How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Weak and the Strong 14:1-23
This chapter deals with Christian behaviour in relation to
doubtful questions, and is of particular value in the way
in which it draws out a number of broad general
principles that have bearing upon Christian conduct.
A situation had developed in Rome between two groups
of Christians, described here as the ‘weak’ and the
‘strong’. It could have caused a serious rift in
fellowship. One group of believers wanted to
refrain from eating certain foods, and stressed
the importance of one particular day for worship
rather than another.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Weak and the Strong 14:1-23
The issue here is one of Christian scruples. Differences of
opinion on matters which are not central to the faith are
unimportant. However, it is easy to see how the hardening
of attitudes over items of secondary importance can lead
to dissension. It is this danger that Paul warns against.
Sadly, some Christians see their calling in life to put other
people right when they hold different views. To be
consumed with non-essentials is always a distraction in
God’s work. The fragrance of Christ is seldom, if ever, seen
in the lives of those consumed with a ‘petty corrective
spirit’.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Weak and the Strong 14:1-23
Those Paul describes as the ‘strong’ were mostly
Gentile believers, who understood the freedom
that was theirs in Christ. The ‘weak’ were mostly Jewish believers, who
observed the strict regulations found in the Levitical food laws. The
limitations of these were addressed by Jesus in Mk. 7. These scruples among
believing Jews are illustrated in Acts 10:9-16. They took some time to grasp
that Christ was the fulfilment of all the O.T. ceremonial law and as a result
they had an inadequate appreciation of Christian liberty.
The eating of meat offered to idols, the substance of the scruple under
discussion here, is not a live issue today, but the general principles laid down
by the apostle are timeless in their application.
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How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Weak and the Strong 14:1-23
What should our attitude be to the weak brother?
The correct attitude is to welcome him, both for
his own sake and as one for whom Christ died
[1Cor 8:11]. The wrong attitude is to see him as
someone whom you can browbeat and 'put right‘.
The Greek text in v1 reads ‘not to pass judgement
on his doubts’, that is, on the anxious thoughts he
has about his scruples. The weakness Paul
describes is not moral - he would not encourage
acceptance if it were - rather it is a lack of spiritual
insight. It would appear that the ‘strong’ were
contemptuous of this weakness.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Weak and the Strong 14:1-23
However, the weak were also censorious towards the
strong and condemned them for their behaviour; in
this case, for eating meat offered to idols. Both
groups are warned against passing judgement, v4,
because we are all of us accountable to God for our
actions, and not to one another.
The emphasis in v3b-4 is clearly on the weak believer.
He is more prone to a judgmental attitude. A whole
fellowship can be held to ransom by the scruples of the
weak; it can take the form of moral or spiritual
blackmail.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Weak and the Strong 14:1-23
‘It is easy to lapse from
scrupulousness about one’s own
conduct into Pharisaism about that of
others.’ James Denny
Paul argues that God will vindicate the strong
believer, and keep him in the midst of a social
climate that will tempt him to abuse the true
freedom that the gospel brings.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Weak and the Strong 14:1-23
Paul considers a further example in v5,
the religious observance of days.
A number of suggestions have been made
as to his meaning, including the practice of
Jewish converts to ‘close shop’ on Saturday - the Jewish Sabbath - and on
Jewish religious festivals calendar. Whatever the issue, Paul does not pass
judgement on either viewpoint but insists, ‘Each one be fully convinced in his
own mind!’
This is not a licence to adopt any principle of conduct we wish, but an appeal to
each person to think matters through, and to form his convictions ‘in Christ’,
and in line with the principle of conduct already laid down in 12:1.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Weak and the Strong 14:1-23
The starting point in answering the question, ‘Is
there anything wrong in this for me?’ is always a
true consecration to Christ. Christian conduct must
be based on conviction arrived at through the
exercise of a consecrated mind, and not based upon
either prejudice or taboos. We don't do things,
simply because other Christians do them.
Sadly, there are often do's and don'ts in the
Christian life, which are more a matter of prejudice
than of conviction. Then like the Pharisees we are in
danger of making the Word of God void by an
accumulation of tradition.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Weak and the Strong 14:1-23
A second principle of conduct is found in v6-8, and in
particular in the phrase “to the Lord”. The all-important
influence upon our behaviour should be God’s will,
because the believer’s life is not his own; he belongs
to the Lord.
Questions that we should constantly ask are, ‘Is this
something Jesus would like?’; ‘Could I take Jesus along with
me on this?’ Of course, we need to know him intimately
enough to discover the answer and this in turn brings us
back to Ch.12.1-2. As far as Christian conduct is concerned,
Paul does not give cut and dried answers.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Weak and the Strong 14:1-23
Christians often want to be provided with a rule book of do’s and don’ts,
foolishly believing that they would be more secure with a large book of rules.
But Paul lays down principles.
He is concerned with inward reality and not with outward conformity.
Outward patterns of behaviour lead to legalism. Were Paul to
legislate in this way, it would have led to the very thing he
argues against in v17. How, then, do we approach
the matter of Christian ethics? By recognising the
absolute Lordship of Christ over us, which his
death and resurrection impose.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Weak and the Strong 14:1-23
We are his bondslaves and not freemen. This is the
meaning of v7. Our life is a stewardship rather than
a personal possession.
To fail to understand this is to fail to understand the
gospel. It is only when we are captive to Christ and
his Word that real freedom becomes ours.
In v10 we are reminded that we will account for
our stewardship. How careful we should be in our
use of words, that can sear and wound the hearts
of others cf. Matt 7:1-5; 12:36. Jesus tells us we
shall be judged as we judge. It is the merciful
who receive mercy.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Weak and the Strong 14:1-23
In 13ff Paul is concerned that a lack of consideration for
the weak may crush their spiritual growth. Paul shows
how the Christian should use his new-found liberty in
Christ. He has been set free, not to please himself, but
God. This means that sometimes he will refuse to do the
very things that he is free to do. The law of love will
condition his liberty.
Paul’s position is clearly stated ‘nothing is unclean in
itself’. Paul is not referring to moral issues but non-moral
issues, like food and drink he has in mind [cf. Mark 7:14ff
and Acts 10:9-16.].
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How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Weak and the Strong 14:1-23
If the weak believer chooses to regard certain food as unclean,
then, for him, it is unclean, and for him to eat it would be to
defile his conscience. In the same way his conscience,
will be hurt if he sees strong believers eating such food.
If a strong believer causes offence by his behaviour, he is
transgressing the law of love, and risking the ruin of one for
whom Christ died. Our actions are not harmless, if they
cause a weak brother to stumble. The question is no
longer "Is there any harm in it?", but, "If I do this, is it
likely to harm him?" There are therefore two laws operating
in the life of the Christian - the law of liberty and
the law of love.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Weak and the Strong 14:1-23
If the strong believer objects that his liberty should not be
curtailed by the foolish scruples of his weaker brother, Paul
replies, “Does food and drink mean so much to you? Have you
lost sight of the fact that ‘the kingdom of God is not a matter of
eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace and joy in the
Holy Spirit'? If you get upset by abstaining from certain foods,
perhaps you are not as free as you think yourself to be”.
When our behaviour is regulated by the welfare of others, and
not by our own selfish self-interest, this not only brings
pleasure to God, it also causes men to take note [cf. Matt 5:15].
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Weak and the Strong 14:1-23
In v19ff. Paul encourages Christians to ensure that their liberty is constantly
asking, ‘What will contribute towards the peace of the fellowship and its
mature development?’ Abstinence, for the sake of others, is the
fulfilment of the law of love and much more important than the
expression of our liberty. To limit one’s liberty is a better
witness than to exercise it. Does this mean that the Christian’s
liberty can never fully be exercised? No, it can be exercised,
when we are not involved with, or in view of, our weaker
brother, but on our own with God. This is the practical
safeguard against the paralysis that would result from
impossible limitations being imposed upon Christian
freedom by the scruples of weak brothers.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Weak and the Strong 14:1-23
In v23 the focus is returned to the weak brother. The
man who behaves in a certain way, without the full
approval of his conscience, is condemned because his
action does not spring from faith. This is not simply selfcondemnation, but the condemnation of God.
‘Whatever is not of faith is sin’. Paul foresees the
possibility of the weak Christian following the example of
the strong believer, but without the full consent of his
conscience, and against his better judgement - he would
be acting without being ‘fully persuaded in his own mind’
[v5]. An unenlightened conscience cannot be violated
with impunity.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Example of Christ 15:1-6
The principle taught in Ch. 14 is now applied in 15v1, in the words "we ought
not to please ourselves". The freedom that Christ gives is not that of selfassertion, but of self-sacrifice [cf. "a living sacrifice“ 12:1]. The Greek word
translated ‘bear’ v1, carries the sense of both ‘putting up with and enduring’,
and also of ‘sharing the load’.
The strong must both endure the burden of
irritating restrictions, and also try to help the
weak in their weaknesses. We are to live for
our neighbour’s highest good, and involve
ourselves in the construction and not
destruction of their lives.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Example of Christ 15:1-6
In v3 Paul quotes from the O.T., rather than from any of the gospel traditions,
in order to unpack Christ's self-denying love. The Psalm quoted [Ps 69]
provides an apt summary of all Jesus came to be and do.
The words imply that Jesus endured great reproach and insult for his
faithfulness to God, all of which might have been avoided had he chosen an
easier path. He always chose the will of God rather than
any self-regarding consideration [Phil. 2:8].
He is our example. Bearing with the
failings of the weak involves us in making
very real sacrifices of personal liberty;
they are to be made in the Spirit of Christ
and for love’s sake.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Example of Christ 15:1-6
In v4 Paul justifies his use of the O.T. quote by reminding his readers that
what was written in former days was written for our instruction. The
expression ‘endurance and encouragement’ indicates how difficult it is to
live out the self-sacrificing life.
One writer says, “How difficult it is to act towards
weaker brethren in a spirit of love. Our Christian
character is seldom so severely tried as when
we are put to inconvenience by the spiritual
childishness of members of the church”.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
The Example of Christ 15:1-6
Paul prays [v5] that they may experience ‘endurance and encouragement’,
which comes from God through the Scriptures. It is as we are steeped in the
Scriptures that we are reminded not only of the demands of discipleship, but
of the resources that God has made
available for discipleship.
This makes harmony possible, and unites
believers to praise and glorify God. This is
not a solitary journey. And out of that
unity comes a revenue of praise to God.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
Accept One Another 15:7-13
In v7ff Paul applies these principles to the wider issue of
relationships between Jews and Gentiles. “Accept
one another! He also introduces a further
incentive for being patient - remember how patient
God has been towards you! Then we will find it
easier to deal with the exasperation others cause us.
Paul reminds the Jewish converts that their resentment
of the Gentiles is misplaced, since it had always been
God's intention that the Gentiles should share
in the blessings of God. Hence the O.T. quotes.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
Accept One Another 15:7-13
The Gentiles are reminded that it was through the Jews that they were called
into the kingdom of God, and the Jews that they were to be channels of
blessing to the Gentiles.
The distinction between the Jew and the Gentile lies in
the manner in which the gift of salvation is received.
The Jew is welcomed in connection with covenant
promises made to his forefathers, while Gentiles are
welcomed, not on account of a covenant relationship
but because of God’s lavish mercy. This is the contrast
made between ‘the fathers’ and ‘the Gentiles’ in v8-9.
Paul’s concern is that these two groups do not allow
‘differences’ to become ‘divisions’.
Presentation 28
How a Christian Ought to Live 12:1-15:13
Principles of Conduct 14:1-15:13
Accept One Another 15:7-13
An effective antidote to divisions and dissension is provided in v13. When
‘joy and peace’ from God come into our hearts, smaller matters are eclipsed.
When our hearts are overwhelmed by the glory of the
gospel, we will not allow ourselves to be side-tracked
by trivial and unworthy divisions.
When division and dissension exists in the church,
we need to ask if those who promote them have
lost sight of the glory of the gospel. Those who take
every opportunity to belittle the church to which they
belong and who spread bitterness about its work,
reveal their own lack of spiritual stature.
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