Romans 14 - 02.23.23
SCRIPTURE: Romans 14:19 AMP
“So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth ].”
OBSERVATION:
Paul opens his letter to the Roman believers by sharing that “their faith is being proclaimed ALL over the world (1:8)—and that he Longs to visit them that they might be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith (1:12). What an amazing reassurance for the Roman believers to hear—their Faith is being talked about ALL over the world!
But…there are a few points of correction for the Roman church—and it is here in his letter that Paul turns his attention to one such area.
UNDERSTANDING:
The strong [more mature] believers and the weak [less mature] believers were judging each other—arguing over what foods were permissible and what holidays to observe. Since there was a blending of Jewish and Gentile believers this also played a role.
Paul reminded them that their focus should be on—Pursuing with Enthusiasm—those things which unify us and make for Peace AND—that which BUILDS each other Up. Paul was desiring that they lay down their “rights” in Pursuit of Love.
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6 NIV)
LIFE APPLICATION:
Build Up and Encourage each other in our Relationship with Christ.
We all need the encouragement in our relationship with Christ that we each supply! Christ created us FOR relationship! Relationship with Him AND with each other.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb 10:24-25 NIV)
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV)
Christians Influence Each Other…May it be influence Towards Living a Life of Goodness, Peace, and JOY—IN the Holy Spirit.
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of goodness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, (Rom 14:17 NLT)
LORD Jesus,
Thank You for the gift of salvation. Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. A very present help in time of need AND a reminder that You have given us a guarantee of what IS to Come of our Inheritance (Eph 1:14). May we Live IN the Holy Spirit and experience the Fruit in abundance—may our Love for You burn like an uncontrollable Fire. May we genuinely Love one another and May there be such an outpouring of Your Love that it draws others TO you because they desire what they SEE in us—Peace in the storms And Joy not dependent on any circumstances. My Heart is Yours-LORD. Here I am, send me.
Tina L Kudelka