Romans 14

 

SECTION OUTLINE FOURTEEN (ROMANS 14)

Paul discusses the believer’s responsibilities toward those Christians who are weak in the faith.

I. No Believer Should Be Judged by Another Believer Down Here (14:1–8, 13–23).

A. We are not to criticize others’ legalism (14:1–8).

1. The rules (14:1–6)

a. Don’t judge in matters of diet (14:1–4, 6b): Some feel it is wrong to eat meat or any food that has been sacrificed to an idol.

b. Don’t judge in matters of days (14:5–6a): Some feel certain days are more sacred than others.

2. The reason (14:7–8): Both the weaker and stronger believer belong to the Lord and must love each other.

B. We are not to corrupt our liberty (14:13–23).

1. The mature Christian is not to become a stumbling block (14:13–18).

a. He is not to permit good and lawful things to be viewed as evil and lawless (14:13–16).

b. He is not to forget that love is more important than personal liberties (14:17–18).

2. The mature Christian is to become a stepping-stone (14:19–23).

II. Every Believer Will Be Judged by the Savior Up There (14:9–12).

A. The foundation of this judgment (14:9): It is based on the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.

B. The forbearance in light of this judgment (14:10): Don’t compound your problems up there by judging your brother down here.

C. The features of this judgment (14:11–12)

1. Every knee will bow (14:11a).

2. Every tongue will confess (14:11b).

3. Everyone will give an account to the Lord (14:12).