1. Romans 14
Broad Overview
The reputation of the Christians in Rome was widespread
Faith (1:8) and obedience (16:19)
Paul had long wanted to see them (15:23)
Paul writes: TO SET STRAIGHT THE DESIGN AND NATURE OF THE GOSPEL
“In doing so, he demonstrates how the gospel of Christ fulfills what is lacking in both heathenism and Judaism, thereby effectively replacing them as religious systems. Such an epistle would arm the church at Rome against those who would pervert the gospel or suggest that it was inadequate by itself.” (M. Copeland; Executable Outlines)
THEME: Romans 1:16-17
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for
salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for
faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

2. Romans 14 Outline INTRODUCTION (1:1-17)
I. JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH (1:18-11:36)
A. SIN - THE "NEED" FOR SALVATION
B. JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH - THE "PROVISION" MADE FOR SALVATION
C. FREEDOM - THE "RESULT" OF SALVATION
D. JEW AND GENTILE - THE "SCOPE" OF SALVATION
II. THE TRANSFORMED LIFE (12:1-15:13)
A. IN RELATION TO OVERALL CONDUCT (12:1-21)
B. IN RELATION TO CIVIL AUTHORITY (13:1-7)
C. IN RELATION TO FELLOW MAN (13:8-14)
D. IN RELATION TO WEAK BRETHREN (14:1-15:13)
III. CONCLUDING REMARKS, INSTRUCTIONS, AND BENEDICTION (15:14-16:27)

3. Romans 14 Context Leading up to Rom. 14…
12:1 Be wholly dedicated to God
12:2 Be ready to discern and test to know the will of God
12:3 Do not think you are more than you are
Use sober judgement
We each have a function in Christ (one body; different gifts)
12:9 Have real love
(10) Outdo one another in showing honor
(18) Live peaceably with all men
(19) Never avenge yourselves
13:1 Submit to authority
13:8 Love all
Looking forward to Rom. 15…
(5-7) Glorify God with one voice
(8) Christ was a type of this when He became a servant

4. Romans 14
Differences on Rom. 14 refer to whether Paul is discussing personal preferences (opinions) or actual matters of faith (doctrine).
Rom. 14 concerns…
(1) One weak in faith
Weak = not firmly established
Faith – this person is a believer
(3) God has welcomed him!
(4) He is also God’s servant …he will be upheld…the Lord will make him stand
…and their opinions
They eat only vegetables (for example)
…and the relationship between the “weak” believer and a “strong” believer
(5) “One person” – perhaps intentionally ambiguous?
(5) We must all be fully convinced in our own mind
(6) IMPORTANT: All these things, regardless of who does them (strong vs. weak) are done “in honor of the Lord.”
Consider, that if Romans was written (more) to the Jews, then this “weak brother” is not a Jew (with Jewish customs/baggage), but someone with Gentile customs (idolatry, pagan holidays) in their background!

5. Romans 14
The Question then is (v ss. 4, 10, 13): Why then do you judge your brother [in these matters]?
JUDGE = setting oneself up as accuser, judge, and executioner; it does not mean we cannot make decisions about the right or wrong of another's action (cf. Mt 7:1-6,15-20; Jn 7:24; 1Co 5:9-13)
(9) Christ is our Lord (master)
(10) We will all be judged by God
(12) Each of us will give an account to God for ourselves.
Therefore, let us not judge BUT [instead; ie – the opposite action is to] decide NOT to put stumbling blocks
STUMBLING BLOCK = that which causes another to fall; it does not have to be something wrong within itself
Stumbling blocks do not (in and of themselves) equal sin
(14) In the Lord Jesus (doctrinal), nothing is unclean; (20) Everything is indeed clean
(15) GRIEVED = pained; the word does not mean the way we commonly use it today, that is, to have one's feelings hurt or "offended"