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I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.  15  For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died.   Romans 14 14 15 Paul continues to teach the Romans the importance of not placing minor matters on par with major ones. He underscores that everything created by God is inherently good. This principle was made clear by Jesus to Peter in a dream, using the example of food. However, if someone believes that eating meat on Fridays during Lent is unclean, then for that individual, it is indeed unclean. As adopted children of God, we must respect our brothers and sisters who hold these beliefs. Furthermore, we need to exercise great care not to lead them into violating such convictions, as these stem from their dedicated devotion to God. In other words, if person A convinces person B to eat something before they believe it is appropriate, then person A has caused person B to sin in their heart. The same principle applies in reverse. Ultimately, the key message is to avoid elevating minor issues above the more significant ones. The most significant issue is that we are justified before God by His grace alone through Jesus Christ alone.

Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.  One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only.  The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God.  For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.  For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to God.” So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.  I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Romans 14:1-14 In verses 7-13, Paul emphasizes that love for one’s neighbor should be reciprocal. He highlights that the matters at hand—things that possess neither inherent goodness nor evil—do not contradict God's precepts, nor do they challenge the fulfillment of the law through Christ. These are relatively minor issues that should never be treated as significant. For example, we cannot apply the same considerations to the commandment against murder, as that represents a major concern. Instead, we are discussing matters such as what we eat and drink, the days we celebrate, the clothes we wear, the games we play, the movies we watch, the jobs we hold, and the friends we choose. The real danger lies in allowing these minor issues to be elevated to a status of primary importance, becoming benchmarks for Christianity, or, worse yet, transforming into requirements for righteousness. This is a detrimental trend. Time and again, our pride and self-righteousness can mislead us into thinking that Christianity revolves around Christians, when in fact, it is solely about Christ. If we can remember this fundamental principle, all the minor issues will naturally fall into place.

Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.  One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only.  The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him.  Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.  He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God.   For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;  for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to God.” So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.  I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Romans 14:1-14 Verses 5 and 6 continue the theme of distinguishing between law and gospel, a concept present throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The emphasis is on maintaining a clear separation between the two and, above all, avoiding any combination of them. In this context, Paul addresses how some believers regard certain days as sacred while others do not, emphasizing that neither perspective should lead to discord within the church. It is important to note that Paul is not referring to the fourth commandment, which instructs us to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Instead, he focuses on self-imposed observances based on tradition or personal preference regarding specific days dedicated to honoring the Lord. Thus, if your Christian brother or sister chooses to celebrate Christmas, Advent, Lent, Passover, Thanksgiving, or any other significant day or season to reflect on the grace God has bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ, it should not be viewed with disdain..

Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.  One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only.  The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him.  Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.  He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;  for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to God.” So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Romans 14:1-14 In verses 1-4, Paul emphasizes the importance for believers to be cautious about prioritizing minor differences over major principles. God welcomes us solely through His grace, and we are called to extend the same grace to our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is important to recognize that we will undoubtedly falter in upholding this principle from time to time, which highlights our ongoing need for justification through someone far greater than ourselves: Christ Jesus. In verse 4, Paul reinforces this point, reminding us that all believers are servants of Christ. Therefore, who are we to judge another servant over secondary issues?

Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.  One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only.  The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him.  Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.  He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;  for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.  For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.  For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to God.” So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.  I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Romans 14:1-14 There are two highly destructive distortions of the way of Christ. The first is known as antinomianism, or “against the law,” which teaches that believers are exempt from obeying the laws of scripture. The second distortion is its opposite, commonly referred to as legalism, characterized by an excessive reliance on obedience to the law apart from the liberating grace offered in Christ. As a result, Paul felt it necessary to address the Christians in Rome regarding the appropriate application of the freedom they have received in Christ. Sadly, this is a message that each generation of believers must continually revisit. This is referred to in theology as the proper distinction between the Law and the Gospel. They are equally important, yet must never be combined in any way, or we lose the significance of both.

Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore, let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. Romans 13:11-14 There are several perspectives from which to interpret the concluding passages of this chapter in Romans. One interpretation is that Paul is alluding to the fall of Jerusalem, while another suggests that he is referring to the completion of God’s plan for creation and, by extension, the fulfillment of a believer’s salvation. The latter interpretation appears to be more accurate. In relation to the days leading up to our physical death and our subsequent transition into glory, Paul contrasts two types of behavior through the metaphors of day and night. Paul is right; the fulfillment of a believer’s salvation draws nearer with each passing moment, which is truly encouraging news. He refers to the time that has already elapsed as night, noting that the dawn is rapidly approaching with the coming of our Lord. By nature, we are children of darkness, and that darkness has hidden us for too long as we indulged in its wickedness. However, Paul instructs us to put on the Lord Jesus Christ relying on the cross for our justification rather than our own merits. We should steer clear of those things that create idols, which can drive a wedge between us and Christ. Instead, we are called to walk uprightly in the light of day—not cloaked in our own garments, but in His.

Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:8-10 The concept of being free from debt serves as a powerful illustration of Christian ethics; Paul highlights that the only obligation believers should hold is to express divine love, known as agape in Greek. This passage underscores Jesus’ summary of the Decalogue, or the Ten Commandments, as conveyed to the Jewish leaders in Mark 12 and Matthew 22. It emphasizes the dual commandments to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, as well as to love your neighbor as yourself. Therefore, the expression of divine love ultimately fulfills God’s moral law, which reflects His attributes. However, it is important to recognize that for fallen humanity, expressing perfect sacrificial love for both God and others is an impossible task. So, how should we interpret this imperative from Paul? Within the broader context of the epistle to the Romans, we are repeatedly reminded of our need to turn to the cross for justification. In this light, the perfect fulfillment of God’s law, continually manifested through divine love, will inevitably reveal the believer's weaknesses and highlight their essential need for a Savior.

Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;  for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore, it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience.  For because of this, you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.  Pay to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor. Romans 13:3-7 Many people harbor a disdain for paying taxes for various reasons that need not be explored here. Nevertheless, we must appreciate the Apostle Paul for his candor in addressing the often-uncomfortable topic of a Christian’s duty to submit to civil authorities. It is no surprise that the practice of taxing citizens has been a hallmark of every civil society since its inception. However, the Bible makes it clear that God frowns upon this practice when it is applied unjustly, as illustrated by King Ahab in 1 Kings 21. Despite this, God has established that civil authorities possess the right to impose taxes for the effective governance of society. Therefore, by paying taxes when they are due, we not only demonstrate our obedience to the law but also honor what God has deemed acceptable.

Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;  for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.  Therefore, it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience.  For because of this, you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.  Pay to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor. Romans 13:3-7 Romans 13:5 underscores the importance of submitting to civil authorities. Our submission is rooted not only in the fear of punishment for disobedience but, more importantly, in matters of conscience. Why is this the case? Because our inner thoughts are ultimately accountable to God. This implies that even when civil authorities enact laws with which we disagree or that may seem oppressive, we are still called to obedience, provided those authorities do not compel actions that contradict God's law or limit actions that God requires of us. In such circumstances, disobedience is not just permitted; it is necessitated. No one can force someone to sin.

Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;  for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.  Therefore, it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience.  For because of this, you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.  Pay to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor. Romans 13:3-7 Romans 13:3-4 serves as a foundational scripture regarding essential Christian ethics, particularly in relation to capital punishment and military engagement. God has entrusted civil authorities with the power to use lethal force to uphold the law. A clear illustration of this can be found in Genesis Chapter 3, where Adam and Eve, after their banishment from the Garden, would have faced death by a flaming sword had they attempted to return. Thus, when God grants authority for the sword to be wielded, it serves a purpose beyond mere deterrence. Similarly, a nation that honors God is obligated, as a last resort, to wield the sword against evil.

Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore, whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God, and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same. Romans 13:1-3 The idea of keeping religion separate from government originates from early thinkers who believed that the roles of the church and the government should not overlap. Over time, this concept has evolved to mean that the government should act independently of Religious Standards of Influence, that is, God. When a government operates without any influence or guidance from God, it can begin to be perceived as contradicting spiritual values. This shift away from faith can lead to moral decline in society.

Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21 One significant ethical imperative found in scripture is the believer's duty to resist evil. Paul emphasizes our resistance to evil through the lens of reflecting the agape love of Christ. These teachings are rooted in the direct instructions of Christ, who serves as the cornerstone of all that is true. Within these teachings, we clearly discern the distinction between truth and opinion. They represent the truest form of knowledge for overcoming evil, while anything beyond these teachings amounts to mere opinion. Unfortunately, we also recognize our struggle to consistently embody these teachings, highlighting our ongoing need for Christ.