Since the fourteenth chapter consists wholly of practical instruction in Christian living, and has no direct dependence upon the exhortations that have preceded it, we need not now take time to review the previous chapters, but will proceed at once with the text. Let it not be forgotten that this chapter, as well as those which precede, is addressed to the church, and not to those who do not profess to serve the Lord. In the sixth verse it is plainly shown that all who are spoken of in this chapter are those who acknowledge God as their Lord. The chapter therefore tells how we should regard one another as
“Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things; another, who is weak, eats herbs. Let not him that eats despise him that eats not; and let not him which eats not judge him that eats; for God hath received him. Who art thou that judges another man’s servant? to his own master he stands or falls. Yea, he shall be held up; for God is able to make him stand. One man esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regards the day, regards it unto the Lord; and he that regards not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he that eats not, to the Lord he eats not, and gives God thanks. For none of us live to himself, and no man dies to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at naught thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more; but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling-block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”
• Who are we not to shut away from out company?
o “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye.”
• But how are we not to receive him?
o “Not to doubtful disputations.” Or, as indicated in the margin, and rendered in some versions, “Not to judge his thoughts.”
• What illustration of differences of opinions does the apostle give?
o “One believeth that he may eat all things, and other, who is weak, eats herbs.” “One man esteems one day above another, another esteems every day alike.”
• In what state should every man be?
o “Let each man be fully assured in his own mind.” R.V.
• How are those who differ in opinion not to regard each other?
o “Let not him that eats despise him that eats not; and let not him which eats not judge him that eats.”
• Why not?
o “For God