Jack GilbertEditor’s note: This blog post is republished by permission of the author, Jack Gilbert. Jack & his wife are missionaries with SEND International in Spain. Jack regularly blogs at I’m Listening to GOD. This particular blog post is part of Jack’s series on the book of Romans.
Those whom God receives by grace must welcome others with grace as well.
Pastoral intent:
Paul wants to demonstrate that not all disagreements are of equal importance. He calls the Roman believers to seek to live together in peace by building each other up in Christ and welcoming one another in the same way Jesus has welcomed them
Outline of Romans 14:1 – 15:13
- Rom. 14:1–12 — Receive One Another Despite Differences
- Rom. 14:13–23 —Love One Another Through Self-Restraint
- Rom. 15:1–7 — Serve One Another Through Self-Sacrifice
- Rom. 15:8–13 — Glorify God as One People in Christ
Context
The Changing Makeup of the Roman Church
Many New Testament letters are what are known as “occasional” letters. This means that the writer is addressing a particular problem or concern in the life of the church receiving the letter. One of the main concerns in the church in Rome was the need for unity in the gospel. The Roman church included both Jewish and Gentile believers. In A.D. 49, the Roman emperor Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome. As a result, the churches in Rome became predominantly Gentile in character and leadership.
When Claudius died in A.D. 54, many Jewish believers returned to Rome. This gave rise to cultural and theological tensions between Jewish Christians, who felt compelled to continue certain Jewish dietary and ritual practices, and Gentile Christians, who understood that the gospel had freed them from the need to practice their faith in this way. Some of the freedoms embraced by the Gentiles troubled the Jewish believers. But the Gentiles also erred by looking down on their “weak” brothers and sisters in Christ.
Why Paul Wrote Romans
So the letter to the Romans arrived at a time when Jewish believers may have viewed Gentile believers as worldly, while Gentile believers may have viewed Jewish believers as legalistic. This is why Paul begins by explaining the gospel: both Jews and Gentiles are guilty before God, both are saved by grace through faith in Christ, and both are freed from sin’s control. They needed to see their equality both in their need for grace and in their standing before God. Now, in Romans 14:1–15:13, Paul explains why peaceful, loving unity is not an optional addition to life in Christ, but part of God’s purpose for his people from the beginning.
Reflection: Welcome one another
Welcoming Those Whom Christ Has Welcomed
Romans 14:1–15:13 brings the gospel down into the everyday life of the church, showing us how to let it shape the way we treat one another when we disagree. Not all disagreements between believers concern primary matters. This was the case in the Roman church. Disputable matters must not divide the body that Christ died to unite. God has welcomed all believers in Christ. That’s why Paul’s command hits us like a bombshell: “Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you.”
Jesus did not say, “Come to me, all who know and practice all the food laws and religious holidays.” He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” We can’t welcome sin or false teaching, but God calls us to welcome all whom Christ has received. Most disagreements require patience, discussion, and a desire to arrive at common ground in the gospel. We are to fight for one another, not against one another.
Laying Down Our Freedoms
The strong were right to know that food does not make someone unclean. But Christian maturity is not simply knowing what we are free to do. True maturity sees the aim of theology: that we be formed into the image of Christ. Jesus was right in all things—perfect in knowledge, character, and action. Yet he did not please himself. He laid down his rights for us. Following Jesus means knowing when to lay down our freedom for the good of another person.
Two Common Errors
We want to avoid two errors. Welcoming one another does not mean allowing the weak to control the church by their conscience. Nor does it mean the strong should force others to move faster than their conscience allows. Both errors can lead us to sin against our neighbor and the Lord—either by going against conscience or by failing to walk patiently with those who need it. Both groups are called to humility in Christ. We each belong to the Lord, we will all give an account to him, and he is able to make us stand.
Using Our Freedom with Wisdom and Love
Christian freedom is not only about asking, “Can I do this or that?” It is about discerning with godly wisdom when and how to practice our freedoms with a clear conscience before God. The better question is, “Can I do this before the Lord with gratitude, faith, and a clear conscience? And will this build up my brother or sister in Christ?”
Freedom that destroys others is not the way of Christ. Knowledge without love can wound the very people Jesus died to save.
The Kingdom is Bigger Than Our Preferences
If Jesus loved our brothers and sisters enough to die for them, we should love them enough to lay down our preferences and rights when the situation calls for it. Paul reminds us that the kingdom of God is bigger than food and drink. It is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. When Christians fight over secondary matters in a way that dishonors one another, the beauty of the gospel is hidden, and we dishonor the Lord. But when believers pursue peace and build each other up, the church becomes a living testimony to God’s grace.
United by Grace
The church is not unified because we all have the same background, preferences, maturity, or conscience on every issue. We are united because Christ has welcomed us by grace. So Romans 14:1–15:13 calls us to examine our hearts. Am I willing to welcome those whom Christ has welcomed? Can I walk patiently and humbly with those who need it? Can I receive correction and instruction with humility? When the gospel shapes our lives this way, we glorify God together with one voice. May the God of hope fill us with joy, peace, and hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Application
Are there any matters of opinion that tempt you to use as a measure of another believer’s spiritual maturity or faithfulness?
Are there any relationships or disagreements in your life that might look different if you focused more on welcoming others as Christ welcomed you?
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