Stop Tripping
Read the Text: Romans 14
Memorize the Text:
For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.
(Romans 15:4, CSB)
Consider the Text: Romans 14:13-23
The elevation of personal rights often becomes a stumbling block for the believer. Just because an activity in life is not considered sinful or wrong does not automatically give the believer the right to participate in it. Areas of black and white are easy to state good from evil and right from wrong. Unfortunately, the grey areas in life leave individuals frustrated and open the battlefield for conflict. In Romans 14:13-23, Paul charged believers not to participate in activities, even if they are admissible, if they cause another believer to stumble or form a barrier to the gospel ministry. The charge extends to believers today, and we must assess our life to see where we become agents of tripping.
Paul told believers that they must CHOOSE NOT TO BE AN AGENT OF STUMBLING. Paul told believers that they should not pass judgment on others. When one passes judgment on others, they journey down a road toward facing judgment based on their standards. Paul does not mean that proper accountability in humility ceases to exist but warns of prideful judgementalism. Improper judging leads to blocking the path to the Lord and becomes a stumbling block. The moment's essence centers on not making a mountain out of a molehill because such a response comes from weak faith.
Paul charged believers to be AGENTS OF GOD’S KINGDOM AND NOT AN AGENT OF THE SELF. Paul calls believers to remember what is essential. Believers need to not focus on the temporary or the material; Christians must focus on what is righteous, peaceful, and joyous. The ability to judge this comes from the presence and work of the indwelling Holy Spirit. This comes because believers must be representatives of God’s kingdom who serve Christ and represent the gospel.
As a representative of Christ, the believer’s focus centers on building up the body of Christ and not diminishing the work of Christ. The ability to build up comes from pursuing peace with others and letting go of the grudges that divide. This calling comes because the body of Christ should seek to support one another as a family living in a community. When life is lived this way, we strive to elevate the cross, not diminish it.
The Apostle presented two traits of LIVING AS AN AGENT OF FAITH. First, believers need to live, representing God’s kingdom first and foremost. Thus, Christians must follow the leading of the Lord in faith without inserting personal opinions or thoughts. Likewise, living in a spiteful attitude must be removed because the focus becomes on the self and not others. The approach to life must become that an act may be possible and not immoral, but if it causes one to stumble, it is sinful.
We must assess their life honestly concerning their lives. Do we live for the self and our rights, or do we live for God’s kingdom? Are we causing others to stumble, or do we build others up? Are you living joyful or spiteful, free or condemned? Make sure you live in a manner that creates a smooth avenue to Christ and is not a stumbling block on the road to faith.
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
