Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 14
In verse 10, Paul refers back to the situation that he described in verse 3. Christians were arguing with each other about a matter that they considered important. The argument became so fierce that they did not deal with each other in love, but in anger. In the end, their words became severe, and even bitter.
There are many subjects that cause disagreements between Christians. About all these matters, Christians should study the Bible carefully. The Bible is God’s word and it alone has the authority to guide us in these matters (2 Timothy 3:16). Christians should also pray about these things and they should listen to the opinions of more mature Christians (Hebrews 13:17). They should not decide too quickly about such matters. It can take a long time for them to know what God is directing them to do. However, when they do know, they must obey God.
Even then, Christians need to remember that they are all brothers and sisters in God’s family. That fact is also true about those Christians with whom they disagree. It is even true about a Christian who opposes them fiercely. So, they must deal with such Christians with an attitude of love (John 13:34-35; 1 John 2:9-11).
Christians cannot simply deal with other people in whatever manner they choose. They have accepted God’s authority over their lives (14:7-9); God is their master, their Lord. So they all must accept God’s judgements about these things. Paul uses the same word for the place of authority or judgement, BEMA in the Greek language, that he uses in 2 Corinthians 5:10. It refers, as in Acts 25:6, to the place where a ruler would sit to make important decisions.
Next part: Christians are responsible to God for their attitudes and actions (Romans 14:11-12)
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