April 02, 2019: SOAP #3468:  Proverbs 22-24; Romans 14

Scripture:  Romans (NIV) 14:20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. 22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.

Observation:   The issue was eating meats that had been offered to an idol when killed or prepared as food.  Some believed that the idol was not really a god; it was a “nothing” when it comes to gods.  No harm could be received when eating food that had been dedicated to a “nothing.”  The idol had no power to bless or curse the food.  But others felt that the idol was worshipped as a god and eating meat that was dedicated to that idol was showing disrespect to the true God.  They were offended when they saw a brother or sister in Christ eating such meat.

Paul’s admonition was to value each other so much that we would not purposefully offend them.  Their value to God should be their value to us.

Application:   I read this passage thinking that this is not an issue for me.  To my knowledge, where I live, meat is not dedicated to an idol or false god when prepared in the market.  Then I read “…or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.”  That phrase puts this passage in a whole new light for me.  Now I am thinking about the style of clothes I wear? (-how revealing? -how tight fitting?) I am thinking about how I drive my car? (-full stop at stop signs?  -five miles faster than the speed limit?)  I am thinking about how I talk?  (-complaining at the referee’s call?  -use euphemisms for “God?”)

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, remind me that I am not living this Christian life for myself.  It is not all about me.  May my life be an encouragement and not a hindrance to others. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!