Glory Of The Believers Series

Romans 14:17-23 Glory of the believers

Nature of the Kingdom of God

Paul points out to his readers and listeners that the Kingdom of God is not related to food habits and approved drinks. The Kingdom of God is spiritual, apolitical, and beyond food and drinks. Discussion of Foods and their habits do not apply to the Kingdom of God. NT saints ruled out the OT food habits. Now, God is more concerned about the edification of one another in Church fellowships. Supporting one another to strengthen our spirituality is significant and praiseworthy. The nature of the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Paul says that everyone makes every effort to do what leads to the edification of one another and the building up of our Lives. This is the glory of the Believers.

Paul warns gently as well as a little seriously about arguments people put forth with one another. The Church has lost many at times the primary focus on Missions and Evangelism, fellowship rather involved accusing one another on the basis of food, clothes, and a few habits pertaining to various cultural identities, causing many to stumble in their faith walk and lose their commitment to Christ and to the Church. However, Paul, therefore, requests, and warns not to bother others to fall from their faith and call. At the same time, equally, it is the responsibility of the believers not to harm anyone through their food habits, or dress codes and cause others to fall from their faith. In short, Paul says that we are bound to help one another to develop our love for God, faith in Christ, and commitment to Church and ministry.

Blessing and Sin

“Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves” (Romans 14:22. b). Living by conscience, and living by the direction of the Holy Spirit are the basic norms. Our conscience’s clearance comes from keeping the Law of the Lord. The word of God cleanses us from all unrighteousness and sins. Whatever, we do against our consciousness then we are not blessed. The food we eat, the drink we drink, and the dress we wear are against our own conscience then we are not blessed people. We condemn ourselves. Therefore, if anything is not coming from Faith is Sin. This is another way of defining our prosperity and progresses.

Discussion:

1. What is your attitude towards the food, and dress codes of others?

2. What are the sins you are entangled with according to Romans 14:23?

(For further studies on Romans by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan, please refer to this cite)