Romans 14:1-23

Aug 24, 2025
Romans 14:1-23
Invited Matthew Miller John Justice Jose Benjamin Lawrence Ekklesia
Attachments Romans 14:1-23
Meeting records Recording

Summary
Matthew Miller introduced Romans Chapter 14, focusing on "doubtful things" not explicitly covered in scripture, such as dietary restrictions and holiday celebrations, and stressed that personal convictions on these matters should not lead to judgment or division within the community. He discussed the importance of not causing others to stumble by knowingly inviting someone to an event or serving food that violates their deeply held convictions. Matthew Miller also highlighted that all will stand before Christ's judgment seat, making personal accountability to God paramount, and warned against the grave offense of causing a child to stumble by encouraging them to go against their parents' sin-based convictions.

Details
Introduction to Romans Chapter 14 Matthew Miller introduced the study of Romans Chapter 14, highlighting its focus on various doubtful things, with eating as a primary example. He shared a personal anecdote about memory verses from their childhood church experiences, including Children's Church, which aimed to explain church practices to children.
Understanding Doubtful Things and Personal Convictions Matthew Miller explained that "doubtful things" refer to matters not explicitly covered in scripture, such as the use of birth control or celebrating Christmas. He emphasized that individuals' convictions on these matters are personal and should not lead to judgment or division within the community. They stated that judging others for their personal choices on doubtful things is akin to sin and will be sorted out at Christ's return.
The Importance of Not Causing Others to Stumble The discussion underscored the biblical principle of not causing a "stumbling block" for others, particularly in matters of faith. Matthew Miller used examples like dietary restrictions (e.g., pork) and holiday celebrations (e.g., Christmas) to illustrate that knowingly inviting someone to an event or serving food that violates their deeply held conviction is considered wrong and divisive.
Communion Practices and Doctrinal Flexibility Matthew Miller discussed the practice of communion, noting that while some denominations have strict rules about elements like red wine, their own practice involves flexibility, using grape juice or even Kool-Aid if necessary, because the sentiment and purpose of the communion are more important than the specific elements. They emphasized that the act should be done "to the Lord," regardless of the specific method.
Consequences of Judgment and Pride Matthew Miller addressed the spiritual ramifications of pride and judgment, especially when individuals believe their personal insights or convictions, which God gave them, are superior and should be imposed on others. They warned that judging others, even in one's thoughts, is seen by God, and such actions align one with those who are "insensed against him" at Christ's return.
Biblical Basis for Non-Judgment and Accountability Matthew Miller linked the teachings on non-judgment to Isaiah chapter 45 and the second advent of Christ, explaining that all will stand before Christ's judgment seat, making personal accountability to God paramount. They clarified that "the Israel of God" refers to those saved in Jesus Christ, regardless of ethnicity, and it is at Christ's return that all such matters of judgment will be sorted out.
Protecting Children from Stumbling Blocks Matthew Miller vehemently asserted that causing a child to stumble by encouraging them to go against their parents' sin-based convictions is a grave offense, referencing strong biblical warnings about the consequences. They concluded that believers should not interfere with what is God's, particularly concerning the faith journey of children, emphasizing that God will "sort these goats out" at the resurrection.

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