ROMANS 14

Paul continued: accept those of the faith, including those considered weak, particularly believers clinging to their old religious habits. Disputes about what to eat and what not to eat are non-essential to relationships. Mature believers are strong in faith, and have no problem eating meat, even meat sold in pagan markets. Do not judge those who refuses to eat meat. Who are you to judge the Lord's servants? God will oversee the weaker man. 

This also pertains to those who are still observing certain days, like the Sabbath. Instead, "let each be fully convinced in his own mind." Whatever a believer does, let him do it unto the Lord. This is why Christ died, rose, and lived again. Do not show contempt for your brother because "we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ. For it is written:

As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me and every tongue shall confess to God.

Therefore, do not judge one another in such matters, or cause a brother to stumble. Everyone shall give account of himself to God.

Paul was convinced, through divine revelation, that nothing common was unclean, but if someone considered it unclean, then to him it was. To be burdened by your brother's conviction regarding drinking, eating, or observances was not walking in love. The kingdom of God is not drinking and eating, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, pursue peace and edify one another. Do not violate your own conscience or condemn those who doubt, because "whatever is not from faith is sin."

COMMENTARY

According to McGee, Paul listed three principles of Christian conduct: conviction, conscience, and consideration. Christians should be convicted about what they do. Does he consider how his behavior will affect others? Was his behavior right or wrong? 

In this chapter, Paul wanted to make sure that those who were weak in faith were embraced into fellowship and not judged because of their convictions. Some matters are questionable and not forbidden in Scripture. 

One may be weak in non-essential matters, but not the gospel truth. One Christian may not agree with the other, but he is not to judge or argue about questionable matters. Whatever a Christian does, he should be fully convinced in his mind that it is right. All will stand before God to give an account of himself. 

Consider your conscience. Is it right for you to do it? Can you do it with joy? Christians should have a clean conscience when they examine their conduct. Any conduct concerning questionable matters that is not from faith is sin.

Paul Writing from Prison