Village Schools of the Bible

ROMANS: Heart & Soul of the Gospel
A Devotional Study of Romans
by Max Frazier, Jr.

ROMANS 14: "Consideration for the Weaker Brother."

Chapter 14 of Romans can be titled, "Consideration for the Weaker Brother." Throughout this chapter the Apostle Paul considers this group. Who are they?

1. They are not morally weak.

2. They were men who were exceedingly sensitive to sin.

3. They were weak in the faith. They did not grasp the full and free salvation as it was revealed in Christ Jesus. They did not grasp the fact that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. They did not grasp the fact that salvation is apart from all works. Finally, they were incapable of comprehending the system of truth.

4. They were Jewish Christians.

Who are the strong?

1. They are those who know justification is apart from works.

2. They are those freed from legalism and ceremonialism.

Which group is the correct one? The answer - neither one. The weak need correction because their position is wrong - they condemn others who do not agree with them. The strong need correction because they have misused their principle which is right.

Notes on verses 2-5: The Concrete Examples Cited

Verses 2-4 - problem of food. Which is correct - to eat anything or to be picky? (see Genesis 9:3; Acts 10;12; First Timothy 4:3-5)

Verse 3- admonition to the strong: do not despise the weaker one admonition to the weak: do not condemn the strong

Verse 4 - admonition to the weak: the strength of the strong is not in himself because it is God who makes him stand.

Verse 5- problem of special days. As far as Christianity is concerned, everyday of your life is holy

Notes on verses 6-12: Divine Principles

Verses 6-7 - both the weak and the strong are seeking the honor of the Lord

Verse 7 - no true Christian lives unto himself; he lives unto the Lord

Verses 8-9 - both the weak and the strong worship the same Lord

Verses 10-12 - both the weak and the strong will appear before Christ's judgment seat

Notes on verses 13-23: Practical Exhortations

Verse 13 - Paul speaks to the weak
Verse 14 - Paul sides with the strong
Verses 15-16 - Paul admonishes the strong
Verse 17 - great principle - the kingdom of God is not a set of rules and legalistic ceremonies. It is righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Spirit (see Romans 5:1-3)
Verse 19 - Paul speaks to the strong
Verse 21 - word "good" could be translated "beautiful"
Verse 22 - addressed to the strong. "Have it yourself" - do not go around displaying how much you can do and how far you can go because of your faith.
Verse 23 - Paul speaks to the weak

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS:

Have you ever turned to someone and said something like this, "I wish so-and-so would grow up?" What you meant is that you desired the so-and-so to begin exhibiting some maturity in his actions and decisions. This is especially true of those who should be showing maturity, but are not. The Apostle Paul relates that in the Christian walk, some people are not as mature as they should be, or as they probably will be. He calls them "weak in faith." I have met many that I would call "weak in faith" and I am sure you have also. I must admit that at times these people frustrate me. At times I can even become angered by their attitudes and actions. I want to grab them and admonish them to "grow up!" Yet, I find that the areas where their "weakness" is demonstrated is in areas that are marginal at best. Paul tells us it is often centered on what to eat (not as much of a problem today), but I know of people who will not eat in a restaurant where alcohol is served. Does this mean they are "weak in faith?" Another area cited by Paul concerns the celebration of holidays. You might ask what the big deal is. But I know of some who joyfully celebrate a Lenten experience, while others think it a waste of time.

Who is the "weak in faith?" I find that a difficult question to answer. For I am quick to state that those who do not believe as I believe, or practice their Christianity as I practice mine, are the "weak in faith." So, I use myself as the standard. I am strong...they are weak. But, in my hastiness to judge another, I must realize that someone else may consider my actions and attitudes to be weak in comparison to his. It seems to me that our ultimate standard is Jesus Christ. This same Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians that his one desire in life was to know Jesus Christ in more intimate ways. As one would read this Philippian Epistle, one might be led to conclude that Paul was the strong one. Yet I think Paul would say that he was still "weak in faith," that there was more need to grow in maturity. I need to learn not to be hasty in passing judgment upon another simply because he or she does not agree with me. I need to courteously express my beliefs and encourage them to consider my expressions even as I give consideration to theirs. Thus the body of Christ will grow as He desires it should.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER AS ONE READS THESE VERSES:

1. What does it mean to be weak in the faith?

2. Who is correct - the weak in the faith or the strong in the faith? Why?

3. Verse 5 talks about special observances. What is the proper attitude to take in regard to special days?

4. Read verses 6-12 and discover three ways that the weak in faith and the strong in faith are equals.

5. According to verse 17, what is the great principle that should govern all that we do?

6. Read verses 15, 16, 19, 21, and 22. What is Paul's advice to the strong in faith? Why do you think he focused his attention on them and not the weak in faith?

Romans 13 Return to the Table of Contents Romans 15