- Home
- Bible
- Romans
- Chapter 14
- Verse 14
Romans 14:19
Verse
Context
The Law of Love
18For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.19So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.20Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let us therefore follow - Far from contending about meats, drinks, and festival times, in which it is not likely that the Jews and Gentiles will soon agree, let us endeavor to the utmost of our power to promote peace and unanimity, that we may be instrumental in edifying each other, in promoting religious knowledge and piety instead of being stumbling-blocks in each other's way.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the things, &c.--more simply, "the things of peace, and the things of mutual edification."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For meat destroy not the work of God,.... The Syriac reads it, "the works of God"; referring either to righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, of which the kingdom of God consists; or to the weak brother, who both as a creature, and as a new creature, is the workmanship of God; and to the good work of grace, the work of faith upon his soul, which is the work of God; or rather to his peace, and the peace of the church of Christ, which is both the will and work of God; peace is what he calls his people to, and what he himself is the author of; and may be destroyed, and sometimes is, by trifling things; whereas a true believer, though ever so weak, cannot be destroyed, nor the good work of God upon his soul be lost, nor any part of it; not the work of faith, which Christ prays for that it fail not, and is both the author and finisher of; but the work of peace and edification in particular persons, and in a church, may be destroyed, but it is pity it should, by so small a matter, so trivial a thing as meat, or the use of anything that is indifferent: all things indeed are pure. The Ethiopic version adds, "to the pure"; to them that have pure consciences, sprinkled by the blood of Christ, and have no doubt or scruple about eating things indifferent; but this addition seems to be taken out of Tit 1:15; though it may serve to explain the sense, which is, that all sorts of food, without any distinction, may be eaten; there is nothing common or unclean, every creature in itself is good, and every Christian may lawfully eat thereof, with moderation and thankfulness. This is a concession which stands thus corrected and restrained, but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. The Arabic version adds, "of his neighbour"; which is a good interpretation of the passage; for the apostle means not with offence to a man's own conscience, though so to eat is an evil too, but with offence to a fellow Christian; it is not an evil in itself to eat, but when this circumstance of offending another thereby attends it; it is evil, though not in itself, yet in its consequences; it offends a weak brother, displeases Christ, who would not have one of his little ones offended, and brings a woe upon the person by whom the offence comes. The Ethiopic version reads, "who eats inordinately"; which to be sure is sinful, but is not the meaning here.
Romans 14:19
The Law of Love
18For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.19So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.20Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to let his eating be a stumbling block.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Conversation Worthy of Christ
By David Wilkerson6.3K59:23WorthyECC 4:9MAT 7:3MAT 18:19ROM 14:19GAL 5:16COL 3:8TIT 2:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having pure hearts and minds, which can only be achieved through the work of the Holy Spirit. He urges believers to let their conversation be worthy of Christ and his gospel, highlighting the power of words and the impact they can have on others. The preacher warns against covetousness and the dangers of allowing material desires to consume one's thoughts and conversations. He concludes by emphasizing that Satan is using conversation as a tool to ruin lives, both in the world and in the church. The sermon is a pastoral message aimed at the congregation, but it is also intended for a wider audience through video and audio recordings.
Justification by Works
By J. Vernon McGee5.5K44:45JHN 13:35ROM 12:15ROM 13:8ROM 14:191CO 15:58GAL 6:10PHP 4:4COL 3:9JAS 2:15In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores the topic of faith and works in the book of James. He begins by highlighting James' unique method of presenting an illustration before explaining the truth. McGee then discusses an illustration given by James, where he emphasizes the importance of providing for the physical needs of others rather than just offering empty words. He connects this illustration to Paul's teachings in Romans, showing that both James and Paul emphasize the importance of genuine faith being accompanied by good works. McGee concludes by emphasizing that true faith is verified by the presence of good works, such as regular church attendance, financial giving, and caring for the poor and needy.
Marks of a True Conversion (Become as Little Children to Enter the Kingdom of Heaven)
By George Whitefield3.6K53:44Audio BooksMAT 18:3MRK 9:43JHN 13:34ROM 14:191CO 6:9JAS 4:81JN 1:9In this sermon by George Whitfield, he begins by urging the congregation to examine their own souls and determine if they have truly been converted. He emphasizes the urgency of this self-reflection, as death can come unexpectedly and many may be carried into an unalterable state. Whitfield encourages the listeners to pray for God to search and try their hearts, and to reveal whether they are truly converted or not. He concludes by offering Jesus as the way of escape and the one who can convert them, urging them to come to Christ and be part of his heavenly kingdom.
Wrong Revival Principles - Part 3
By Jonathan Edwards2.0K48:00Audio BooksMRK 4:33ACT 16:3ROM 12:18ROM 14:19ROM 15:11CO 3:11CO 9:19HEB 5:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prudence and caution when introducing new things into the church. He warns against being influenced by indiscreet zeal and rushing into actions without proper preparation. The speaker uses the analogy of a farmer preparing his field and a wise builder planning a structure to illustrate the need for a comprehensive view and orderly approach in the work of the ministry. He also highlights the significance of unity and order in the visible church, drawing references from 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12. The speaker suggests that if the rules of Christian charity, meekness, gentleness, and prudence had been observed more diligently, the progress of the church would have been greater.
How to Organize an Underground Church - Part 2
By Richard Wurmbrand1.8K27:55Underground ChurchPRO 17:14MAT 6:6ROM 14:191TH 5:11JAS 1:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of brainwashing, particularly in the context of communist prisons. He describes the intense methods used in these prisons, where prisoners are forced to sit for 17 hours a day and listen to propaganda that promotes communism and denounces Christianity. The speaker emphasizes the importance of resisting brainwashing, not only in communist countries but also in the free world where various forms of media can influence our thoughts and beliefs. He concludes by highlighting the significance of using our words wisely, as Jesus teaches that we will be judged for every useless word we speak.
Conscience Void of Offense
By Edsel Troutmann1.2K56:48ConsciencePSA 51:4MAT 6:33ROM 14:19GAL 6:1JAS 4:171JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of getting saved at a young age to avoid the consequences of sin later in life. He believes that everyone has a responsibility to correct the negative effects of their sins on others. The preacher also criticizes the idea of relying solely on logic and scripture to determine someone's conversion, instead of the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He highlights the need for individuals to not only seek forgiveness from God but also to forgive themselves and confess their sins to others.
Christ Is All
By J.C. Ryle1MAT 24:1ROM 14:191CO 3:9EPH 2:21EPH 4:12EPH 4:16EPH 4:29Alexander Maclaren preaches on the concept of 'Building' (oikodome) as both a literal and metaphorical term, emphasizing the process of construction and edification. In Ephesians 2:21, oikodome symbolizes the church as a dwelling place for God's presence, highlighting spiritual strengthening and growth. The metaphor of building extends to various aspects including physical bodies, spiritual growth, and the collective body of Christ, stressing the importance of edifying one another. The word group of oikodome is used both literally and figuratively, illustrating the strengthening effect of teaching and example on individuals and the church as a whole.
Epistle 158
By George Fox0PeaceUnity in ChristHAB 1:3MAT 5:8MAT 8:11JHN 1:3ROM 13:10ROM 14:17ROM 14:191CO 8:11CO 13:41CO 15:47GAL 3:29GAL 4:24GAL 5:13COL 4:5TIT 2:111PE 1:22REV 3:10George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in peace and love, urging his listeners to avoid strife and contention, which undermine the good and do not edify. He highlights that true peace is found in the Holy Spirit and encourages believers to support one another in faith and grace, fostering unity and patience. Fox reminds the congregation that they are called to be peacemakers, inheriting the kingdom of God, and to live in a way that reflects the love of Christ, which fulfills the law. He calls for a rejection of prejudice and urges everyone to embrace the seed of life and peace that reigns within them, leading to eternal joy and comfort. Ultimately, he concludes with a blessing for grace and guidance from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Amusements
By F.B. Meyer0Discernment in AmusementsImpact on OthersPRO 4:23MAT 5:16ROM 14:191CO 6:121CO 10:23GAL 5:13EPH 4:29PHP 4:8COL 3:171PE 2:16F.B. Meyer addresses the complex issue of amusements faced by Christians, drawing parallels with the struggles of the Corinthian church. He emphasizes the need for discernment in choosing activities that are lawful but not necessarily beneficial, urging believers to avoid being enslaved by any form of pleasure. Meyer highlights the importance of considering the impact of our choices on others, particularly those who may be influenced by our actions. He advocates for simple, natural pleasures that uplift the spirit and foster community, while ensuring that our amusements align with our spiritual values. Ultimately, he encourages a balanced approach to recreation that rejuvenates the soul without compromising our faith.
Christian Character
By J.R. Miller0Christian CharacterPractical FaithJHN 14:15ROM 8:28ROM 14:192CO 4:162CO 7:4EPH 5:15PHP 3:121TH 5:161PE 3:41JN 3:2J.R. Miller emphasizes the significance of Christian character, distinguishing it from reputation, and highlighting that true character is built through consistent habits and actions over time. He encourages believers to cultivate a joyful heart and a thankful spirit, which can transform their perspective on life. Miller also discusses the importance of using time wisely, being mindful of our influence on others, and the necessity of personal surrender to God's will. He reminds us that our character is what we carry into eternity, and that true religion is practical, requiring us to live out our faith in everyday life.
In Which Seed Shine
By George Fox0Unity in ChristThe Seed of GodPSA 133:1MAT 5:9JHN 17:21ROM 14:192CO 5:17GAL 5:22EPH 4:3PHP 2:2COL 3:141PE 4:8George Fox emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, urging them to avoid worldly wisdom that creates division. He advocates for innocence, truth, and simplicity as the foundation for genuine unity, where love prevails over evil thoughts. Fox expresses his grief over anything that hinders this unity and encourages friends to focus on the Seed of God within themselves, which has the power to heal and bring peace. He calls for believers to keep their earthly weaknesses under control and to elevate the Seed of God above all enmity, as it is the source of true unity and eternal good.
Unity in the Light
By George Fox0Love and FaithUnityMAT 5:14JHN 8:12ROM 14:192CO 5:17GAL 5:22EPH 4:3PHP 4:7COL 3:14HEB 12:141JN 1:7George Fox emphasizes the importance of love and faith in fostering unity among believers, urging them to bring their actions into the light for purification and condemnation of deeds contrary to it. He encourages the congregation to grow in peace and righteousness, guided by God's grace towards the eternal Kingdom of God. Fox highlights the necessity of repentance and attentiveness to the light that leads to everlasting love, joy, and peace.
Unity, Not Uniformity
By Theodore Epp0Christian FellowshipUnity in DiversityPSA 133:1ROM 14:19PHP 2:1COL 2:6Theodore Epp emphasizes that the Christian life is defined by the presence of Christ within believers rather than strict adherence to rules and regulations. He explains that being 'likeminded' does not mean conforming to a single way of thinking, but rather pursuing common goals while embracing individual perspectives. Epp encourages believers to focus on unity through Christ, fostering peace and mutual edification among diverse members of the body of Christ.
Hindrances to Fullness of Life
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual FullnessUnity in ChristMAT 11:12JHN 3:8ACT 2:1ROM 14:191CO 12:12GAL 5:25EPH 1:3PHP 2:2HEB 10:241JN 1:7T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that while spiritual blessings are gifts of grace, they require genuine commitment and effort to overcome various hindrances, both external and internal. He illustrates this through the history of Israel's struggle to enter their promised land, highlighting that true spiritual fullness is often obstructed by personal biases, fears, and divisions within the Church. Sparks calls for believers to unite on the foundation of Christ, rather than on doctrines or traditions that create division, and to allow the Holy Spirit to operate freely, even when it challenges established norms. He warns against the dangers of limiting God through rigid traditions and encourages a willingness to embrace new movements of the Spirit for spiritual growth. Ultimately, he asserts that true fellowship and openness to the Spirit are essential for experiencing the fullness of life in Christ.
Unity and Peace
By H.J. Vine0ROM 14:191CO 1:10EPH 4:4EPH 6:121PE 3:11JUD 1:3H.J. Vine preaches on the unalterable truth of God, emphasizing the unity of the Spirit that believers are called to maintain in peace and holiness. He highlights the importance of diligently pursuing peace with all to manifest the unity of the Spirit as truth, while also contending earnestly for the faith without causing division among fellow believers. Vine stresses the need for believers to stand united against the attacks of the enemy, finding common ground in their shared faith and common foe.
Epistle 383
By George Fox0MAT 5:9JHN 13:34ROM 14:191CO 12:131CO 13:7EPH 4:3PHP 4:8COL 3:172TI 3:21PE 2:9George Fox preaches about the importance of striving for peace, unity, and love among believers, emphasizing virtues such as honesty, purity, patience, and charity. He encourages avoiding strife, disputes, and selfishness, and instead, showing kindness, gentleness, and forgiveness towards one another. Fox also addresses the topic of marriage, urging for chastity, virtue, and temperance, and living in a manner that glorifies God. He concludes by exhorting believers to live in Jesus Christ, the source of blessings, rest, and peace, and to walk in His light and power.
Epistle 214
By George Fox0DEU 13:13PSA 12:4ROM 14:19PHP 4:8JAS 5:22PE 2:201JN 5:9REV 2:14George Fox preaches about the power of the Lord God being over those who pray sincerely, contrasting it with those who pray insincerely with an earthly, dark spirit. He warns against setting up idols and stumbling blocks that draw people's focus away from God's truth within themselves. Fox emphasizes that the power of God will break down these false constructs and that those who follow an earthly, dark spirit will be corrupted and hardened in heart, leading to division and lack of unity in truth.
Epistle 246
By George Fox0ROM 6:4ROM 9:21ROM 14:191CO 6:132CO 11:2HEB 7:16HEB 12:14George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in the power of the Lord God, maintaining unity and fellowship in the spotless truth and life of God, and being a good savour to God by living in the newness of life. He emphasizes the need to keep in the holy life, guided by the spirit of the Almighty, to walk in truth, righteousness, peace, and holiness to see God. Fox urges living in peace, as God is the author of peace, and avoiding unrighteous actions that lead to wars and troubles. He encourages living in the truth and power of God to inherit the endless life and serve the Lord with pure mind, soul, and spirit.
Self-Denial Romans 14:1-21
By J.R. Miller0Self-DenialAccountability to GodMAT 7:3ROM 14:12ROM 14:15ROM 14:17ROM 14:19J.R. Miller emphasizes the principle of self-denial in his sermon on Romans 14:1-21, urging believers to live with a constant awareness of their accountability to God rather than judging others. He highlights the importance of love and consideration for others, advocating that Christians should avoid actions that may cause their brothers to stumble, even if those actions are permissible. Miller illustrates this with examples of personal habits and indulgences, stressing that true liberty in Christ should not come at the expense of another's faith. He concludes that the essence of the Christian life is not about external practices like eating or drinking, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, encouraging believers to prioritize the edification of others.
Strive Not in Meetings
By George Fox0ROM 14:19EPH 4:3COL 3:151JN 1:7George Fox emphasizes the importance of meeting together in the light to see the Father of Life among them, urging for peace, love, and unity in the power of the Lord God during their gatherings. He advises to let wisdom guide with patience, avoiding strife and instead focusing on what leads to peace, love, and edification among friends.
The German Mass and Order of Divine Service
By Martin Luther0ROM 14:191CO 14:261CO 14:40GAL 5:13COL 3:161TI 4:13HEB 10:241PE 4:10Martin Luther emphasizes the importance of Christian liberty in the Order of Divine Service, urging against making it a compulsory law but rather using it in love and consideration for others. He advocates for a unified approach to Divine Service, highlighting the need for simplicity, Scripture reading, and teaching for the growth of Christians and the youth. Luther discusses the different types of Divine Service, including the use of Latin, German Mass, and private gatherings for serious Christians, emphasizing the focus on the Word of God and love for one's neighbor.
Letter - to His Father
By Isaac Penington0ROM 14:191CO 14:33EPH 4:3PHP 2:3COL 2:8JAS 4:101PE 5:51JN 4:7Isaac Penington writes a heartfelt letter to his father, expressing his deep desire for his father to have a true knowledge of Christ and to embrace the living power of God in the heart. Despite his father's doubts and prejudices, Isaac emphasizes the peace, love, and unity found among believers, contrasting it with the world's misconceptions. He addresses his father's concerns about humility and order in God's way, highlighting the necessity of being broken and humbled by God and the distinction between man's order and God's order. Isaac urges his father to seek the true love, peace, unity, and humility that come from God, rather than relying on human interpretations and traditions.
On War - Effects of War.
By Jonathan Dymond0PRO 3:30ISA 2:4MAT 5:9MAT 26:52ACT 5:29ROM 12:18ROM 14:191TH 5:15JAS 3:181PE 3:11Jonathan Dymond preaches about the devastating effects of war, highlighting the intense sufferings, irreparable deprivations, and moral consequences it brings upon society. He emphasizes the immense loss of human life, the financial distress, and the moral degradation that war inflicts on individuals, particularly soldiers. Dymond condemns the immorality, servility, and slavery inherent in military obedience, urging Christians to refuse to participate in war as it goes against the principles of Christianity. He calls for passive resistance and non-compliance with unjust orders, emphasizing the importance of upholding moral agency and rejecting the iniquity of war.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let us therefore follow - Far from contending about meats, drinks, and festival times, in which it is not likely that the Jews and Gentiles will soon agree, let us endeavor to the utmost of our power to promote peace and unanimity, that we may be instrumental in edifying each other, in promoting religious knowledge and piety instead of being stumbling-blocks in each other's way.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the things, &c.--more simply, "the things of peace, and the things of mutual edification."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For meat destroy not the work of God,.... The Syriac reads it, "the works of God"; referring either to righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, of which the kingdom of God consists; or to the weak brother, who both as a creature, and as a new creature, is the workmanship of God; and to the good work of grace, the work of faith upon his soul, which is the work of God; or rather to his peace, and the peace of the church of Christ, which is both the will and work of God; peace is what he calls his people to, and what he himself is the author of; and may be destroyed, and sometimes is, by trifling things; whereas a true believer, though ever so weak, cannot be destroyed, nor the good work of God upon his soul be lost, nor any part of it; not the work of faith, which Christ prays for that it fail not, and is both the author and finisher of; but the work of peace and edification in particular persons, and in a church, may be destroyed, but it is pity it should, by so small a matter, so trivial a thing as meat, or the use of anything that is indifferent: all things indeed are pure. The Ethiopic version adds, "to the pure"; to them that have pure consciences, sprinkled by the blood of Christ, and have no doubt or scruple about eating things indifferent; but this addition seems to be taken out of Tit 1:15; though it may serve to explain the sense, which is, that all sorts of food, without any distinction, may be eaten; there is nothing common or unclean, every creature in itself is good, and every Christian may lawfully eat thereof, with moderation and thankfulness. This is a concession which stands thus corrected and restrained, but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. The Arabic version adds, "of his neighbour"; which is a good interpretation of the passage; for the apostle means not with offence to a man's own conscience, though so to eat is an evil too, but with offence to a fellow Christian; it is not an evil in itself to eat, but when this circumstance of offending another thereby attends it; it is evil, though not in itself, yet in its consequences; it offends a weak brother, displeases Christ, who would not have one of his little ones offended, and brings a woe upon the person by whom the offence comes. The Ethiopic version reads, "who eats inordinately"; which to be sure is sinful, but is not the meaning here.