Let God Pass Judgment, Not Us

 

By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 14:1-12

 

Romans 14:12

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

(ESV)

 

Governments have judicial systems with judges assigned to make rulings on matters concerning violations of laws enacted by the government. Like other government officials, God establishes these government positions (Romans 13:1). However, the people filling these positions are sinful individuals for all have sinned (Romans 3:23). This leads to erroneous decisions and why most judicial systems have appeals processes to review decisions. This is why God cautions against making judgments against one another in the Church, leaving that to God who has the power to rectify erroneous judgments (Matthew 7:1-5; Romans 14:4).

 

Romans 14:1-12 begins with instructions to welcome those weak in the faith and not to quarrel over opinions (Romans 14:1). Paul gives an example of one such quarrel regarding what one eats, with some believing they can eat anything and others eating only vegetables (Romans 14:2). God welcomes both those abstaining and those eating with a warning not to despise abstainers or judge those eating (Romans 14:3). The passage continues by asking the question who can pass judgment on another for a servant is subject to his or her master with one serving the Lord subject to the Lord who can make all stand (Romans 14:4).

 

The next quarrel mentioned in the passage is the quarrel of the esteeming of one day over another. Some esteem all days as alike while others esteem certain days as superior over others (Romans 14:5). The reason for Paul mentioning this quarrel is possibly a quarrel between Jews and Gentiles over honoring the Sabbath and Feasts like the Passover. Like dietary restrictions, Jewish and Gentile believers quarreled over whether Gentile believers needed to honor the Sabbath and the Jewish Feasts. If the one observing a day, eating, or abstaining does so to honor the Lord, giving thanks to the Lord, and not glorifying self, they are living for God (Romans 14:6-7). Since Christ died and rose from the dead, He is both the Lord of the living and the dead. Therefore, those living for the glory of God, whether they observe, eat, or abstain belong to the Lord (Romans 14:8-9). Therefore, we are unable to pass judgment or despise a brother because we will all stand before the judgment seat of God with every knee and every tongue confessing to God (Romans 14:10-11). We will all give an account to the ultimate judge, God Himself (Romans 14:12).

 

Believers are to welcome those weak in faith and not quarrel amongst themselves over opinions. Paul’s inclusion of this passage in his letter to the Romans indicates the Church was dealing with Jewish believers attempting to burden new Gentile believers with Jewish dietary restrictions and a requirement to observe the Sabbath and Jewish holidays. Since Salvation comes through grace and Jesus’ finished work on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9), to burden Gentiles with these requirements would have been confusing. Jesus also told His believers that the world would know they follow Him by their love for one another (John 13:35). Paul knew that new Gentile believers coming into the Church, observing quarreling, and arguing that looks no different than what they see in the world around them would see little need to become believers. Placing dietary restrictions and forced observance of the Sabbath and Jewish holidays would also have proven too restrictive. Judgment is not something believers are to participate in and should leave that up to God.

 

We live in a divisive world where arguments over differing opinions are commonplace, can become heated, and even violent. Often these differing opinions are minor like issues over what to eat, or what style of music played in worship. According to this passage, what one eats has no effect on their relationship with Christ provided they are a believer and live their life glorifying God. This would also apply to music in worship with any style of music acceptable provided the lyrics give glory to God. The Church must focus on its mission of spreading the Gospel (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) and not on differing opinions regarding food or music for these quarrels inhibit the fulfillment of the Church’s mission.

 

A divisive and violent world needs revival but revival cannot come from a Church quarreling over minor issues because a lost world already has this. Instead, the Church mission and focus should be on the four E’s of discipleship,

 

1)      Evangelism – Pointing the lost to a personal relationship with Christ who died for their   

sins (Romans 5:8).

2)      Equipping – Through teaching the truths contained in the Word of God (2 Timothy

3:16)

3)      Encouragement – Through fellowship with other believers in Christ to help them through the trials of life, who pray with them, and remind them that Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). There is also encouragement through knowing Jesus is coming back (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11).

4)      Empowerment – Through the baptism of the Holy Spirit and living a Spirit-filled life (Acts 1:4-8; Romans 8).

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to receive Jesus as your personal savior, I encourage you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.