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Romans 14:16
Verse
Context
The Law of Love
15If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died.16Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil.17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Sermons
Alan MartinJohn Hames
Keith GreenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let not then your good be evil spoken of - Do not make such a use of your Christian liberty as to subject the Gospel itself to reproach. Whatsoever you do, do it in such a manner, spirit, and time, as to make it productive of the greatest possible good. There are many who have such an unhappy method of doing their good acts, as not only to do little or no good by them, but a great deal of evil. It requires much prudence and watchfulness to find out the proper time of performing even a good action.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Let not then your good--that is, this liberty of yours as to Jewish meats and days, well founded though it be. be evil spoken of--for the evil it does to others.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let not then your good be evil spoken of. The Vulgate Latin reads it, "our good", and so the Syriac version; the sense is the same, and to be understood either of the Gospel in general, which is good in its author, matter, effects, and consequences; is good tidings of good things, and which might be blasphemed by the men of the world, on account of the divisions and contentions among the professors of it, about such little trivial things, as eating this or the other sort of food; and therefore care should be taken, that it be not evil spoken of through such conduct: or else the doctrine of Christian liberty in particular, which is a good thing; Christ has procured it, and bestows it upon his people; it is a valuable blessing in itself, and is attended and followed with many considerable privileges and immunities; but may be evil spoken of by those, who do not so well understand it, through an imprudent use of it by those who do; and who therefore should guard against any reproach that may be cast upon it; and rather than this should be the case, forego the use of it, in things of an indifferent nature; see Co1 10:30; so that this is another of the apostle's reasons, why though nothing is of itself unclean, yet it should be abstained from on account of others. ; so that this is another of the apostle's reasons, why though nothing is of itself unclean, yet it should be abstained from on account of others. Romans 14:17 rom 14:17 rom 14:17 rom 14:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink,.... Neither the kingdom of glory, nor the ultimate glory and happiness of the saints in the other world, is attained to by any such things; for neither eating and drinking, nor not eating and drinking, can recommend to the divine favour, or give a meetness for heaven, or a right unto it; see Co1 8:8, nor does the kingdom of grace, the principle of grace, lie in such things, nor in anything that is external; nor does the Gospel, or Gospel church state, which frequently go under this name of the kingdom of God, consist of such things as the ceremonial and the legal dispensation did, but the Gospel and the dispensation of grace are opposed unto them; see Heb 9:10. But righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. The kingdom of glory, which is the kingdom of God, because of his preparing, giving, calling to, and putting into the possession of, is attained unto by righteousness; not the righteousness of men, but the righteousness of Christ imputed by God, and received by faith; and through peace made by the blood of Christ, and rejoicing in him, without having any confidence in the flesh, which is a branch of the Spirit's grace in regeneration. The kingdom of grace, or the governing principle of grace in the soul, and which is of God's implanting there, lies in righteousness and true holiness, in which the new man is created; in truth and uprightness in the inward parts, where the laws of God are put and written; and in peace of conscience, arising from the blood and righteousness of Christ; and in that spiritual joy and comfort the Holy Ghost produces, by leading to a sight of Christ, and an interest in him and his atonement. The Gospel, which gives an account both of the kingdom of grace and of glory, reveals the righteousness of Christ, and teaches men to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present evil world: it is a publication of peace by the blood of Christ; it calls men to peace, to cultivate peace one among another, and to seek those things which make for it; and when it comes in power, is attended with joy in the Holy Ghost, and is the means of increasing it; and this is another reason, persuading to Christian forbearance, in the use of things indifferent.
Romans 14:16
The Law of Love
15If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died.16Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil.17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Beware of Becoming Puffed Up
By Alan Martin2.2K00:00PrideROM 8:4ROM 14:161TI 2:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking by the Spirit and not relying on our own carnal thinking. He highlights that when we walk by the Spirit, we fulfill the righteous requirement of the law, which is love. However, he warns against losing connection with Christ and relying solely on information from messengers or books. The preacher urges believers to preserve the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace, as lacking peace and unity can hinder our ability to see the Lord.
Bringing Christianity Into Disrepute
By John Hames1PRO 13:15MAT 11:30ROM 14:16GAL 2:181TI 2:91PE 3:3John Hames preaches on the importance of not allowing our good deeds to be spoken of as evil, emphasizing that even Jesus Christ faced criticism despite His purity. He highlights common ways Christians bring disrepute to Christianity, such as portraying the Christian life as burdensome, looking back at past sins, and engaging in behaviors that contradict their testimonies. Hames also addresses the negative impact of constantly borrowing money, soliciting finances from unbelievers, and adorning oneself slovenly, urging believers to live in a way that honors God.
(Sex, Love & Marriage) 3. Opposite Poles Attract
By Zac Poonen0FriendshipPurity in RelationshipsPRO 4:23MAT 5:28ROM 14:161CO 8:1GAL 5:13EPH 5:31TH 4:31TI 5:2HEB 13:41PE 5:8Zac Poonen discusses the natural attraction between the sexes, emphasizing that while it is normal to seek friendship and admiration from the opposite sex, it is crucial to maintain a disciplined approach to these feelings. He warns against both excessive intimacy and complete avoidance, advocating for a balanced relationship that honors God and respects personal boundaries. Poonen highlights the importance of treating members of the opposite sex with purity and integrity, particularly in the context of friendships and dating, which can lead to emotional complications if not approached wisely. He encourages young people to focus on their spiritual growth and responsibilities before considering marriage, and to avoid dating and petting, which can lead to moral pitfalls. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a life that glorifies God, free from regret and frustration.
Can God Use Rock Music?
By Keith Green01SA 16:7PRO 4:23MAT 15:18ROM 14:161CO 8:91CO 9:221CO 10:31GAL 5:13COL 3:171TH 5:21Keith Green addresses the controversial topic of using rock music in Christian ministry, sharing his personal struggles and insights on the matter. He discusses the differing opinions within the Christian community regarding the use of rock music for evangelism and worship, emphasizing the importance of examining one's motives and heart condition. Green highlights the need for Christians to surpass worldly standards and focus on glorifying God with pure intentions, rather than seeking self-exaltation. He challenges the notion of labeling music as inherently 'evil,' stressing that it is the heart behind the music that determines its impact.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let not then your good be evil spoken of - Do not make such a use of your Christian liberty as to subject the Gospel itself to reproach. Whatsoever you do, do it in such a manner, spirit, and time, as to make it productive of the greatest possible good. There are many who have such an unhappy method of doing their good acts, as not only to do little or no good by them, but a great deal of evil. It requires much prudence and watchfulness to find out the proper time of performing even a good action.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Let not then your good--that is, this liberty of yours as to Jewish meats and days, well founded though it be. be evil spoken of--for the evil it does to others.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let not then your good be evil spoken of. The Vulgate Latin reads it, "our good", and so the Syriac version; the sense is the same, and to be understood either of the Gospel in general, which is good in its author, matter, effects, and consequences; is good tidings of good things, and which might be blasphemed by the men of the world, on account of the divisions and contentions among the professors of it, about such little trivial things, as eating this or the other sort of food; and therefore care should be taken, that it be not evil spoken of through such conduct: or else the doctrine of Christian liberty in particular, which is a good thing; Christ has procured it, and bestows it upon his people; it is a valuable blessing in itself, and is attended and followed with many considerable privileges and immunities; but may be evil spoken of by those, who do not so well understand it, through an imprudent use of it by those who do; and who therefore should guard against any reproach that may be cast upon it; and rather than this should be the case, forego the use of it, in things of an indifferent nature; see Co1 10:30; so that this is another of the apostle's reasons, why though nothing is of itself unclean, yet it should be abstained from on account of others. ; so that this is another of the apostle's reasons, why though nothing is of itself unclean, yet it should be abstained from on account of others. Romans 14:17 rom 14:17 rom 14:17 rom 14:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink,.... Neither the kingdom of glory, nor the ultimate glory and happiness of the saints in the other world, is attained to by any such things; for neither eating and drinking, nor not eating and drinking, can recommend to the divine favour, or give a meetness for heaven, or a right unto it; see Co1 8:8, nor does the kingdom of grace, the principle of grace, lie in such things, nor in anything that is external; nor does the Gospel, or Gospel church state, which frequently go under this name of the kingdom of God, consist of such things as the ceremonial and the legal dispensation did, but the Gospel and the dispensation of grace are opposed unto them; see Heb 9:10. But righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. The kingdom of glory, which is the kingdom of God, because of his preparing, giving, calling to, and putting into the possession of, is attained unto by righteousness; not the righteousness of men, but the righteousness of Christ imputed by God, and received by faith; and through peace made by the blood of Christ, and rejoicing in him, without having any confidence in the flesh, which is a branch of the Spirit's grace in regeneration. The kingdom of grace, or the governing principle of grace in the soul, and which is of God's implanting there, lies in righteousness and true holiness, in which the new man is created; in truth and uprightness in the inward parts, where the laws of God are put and written; and in peace of conscience, arising from the blood and righteousness of Christ; and in that spiritual joy and comfort the Holy Ghost produces, by leading to a sight of Christ, and an interest in him and his atonement. The Gospel, which gives an account both of the kingdom of grace and of glory, reveals the righteousness of Christ, and teaches men to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present evil world: it is a publication of peace by the blood of Christ; it calls men to peace, to cultivate peace one among another, and to seek those things which make for it; and when it comes in power, is attended with joy in the Holy Ghost, and is the means of increasing it; and this is another reason, persuading to Christian forbearance, in the use of things indifferent.