In my judgment, much of the recent discussion over Romans 14 misses the mark. I have difficulty categorically affirming that the application of this chapter does not include anything in “the faith.” The very first verse tells how to deal with one weak “in the faith” — the same expression in Greek and English as in Acts 6:7; 13:6; 14:12; 16:5, etc., where it is clear that “the faith” refers to the system of faith – the New Testament gospel system. While this chapter does deal with matters that pertain to “the faith” (v. 1) – it deals with those matters of “the faith” that govern a Christian’s personal conduct before God.

The chapter is not dealing with moral matters – questions of what is morally right or wrong? God’s moral code, though incorporated into both “the law” and “the faith,” antedates both systems all the way back to the beginning of God’s dealing with man. The things in this timeless moral code are things that Paul would refer to as being right (“clean”) or wrong “unclean of (themselves)” (v. 14) – things that man has been taught from the beginning of time. Things that man is without excuse for forgetting (cf. Rom. 1:18ff)

Consequently, I have a problem with making this chapter cover moral matters – though immorality is mostly an individual matter. It simply does not deal with lying, stealing, adultery, licentiousness, fornication, homosexuality, drunkenness and the like. One will have to look elsewhere to find out what to do about such matters. There are specific instructions dealing with having fellowship with those guilty of such matters. (Cor. 5). Furthermore, there is specific instructions about having fellowship with one who teaches another to commit fornication or puts a stumbling block that results in another committing fornication (Rev. 2:14, 20). If one in our midst is found guilty of such, after a reasonable time for repentance ( the Lord even gave Jezebel time) such a person must be purged for his own good and the good of the church.

Since the marriage, divorce, and remarriage question involves adultery and fornication it does not belong in this chapter. Marriage is part and partial of God’s moral code that goes all the way back to beginning of time. Marriage is God’s alternative to fornication (Heb. 13:4; 1 Cor. 7).

The things under consideration in Romans 14 are matters of personal conduct taught in “the faith” – “the faith” delivered to the saints (Jude 3). Those weak in the faith are parallel to those weak in knowledge in 1 Corinthians 8. Their knowledge and discernment under the faith had not yet developed to the point of the strong. The strong are required to bear with them in their weakness. The weak should not be allowed to judge (condemn) the strong. Each should allow the other to practice what he believes“the faith” requires of him in an atmosphere of peace, patience and learning – an atmosphere conductive to growing in the faith. As long as each has “it to himself before God” (v. 22), that is to say he does not make it a condition of “receiving” (v. 1) the other, they can still work together in those things that they must do in common (congregational matters).

To “have it to himself” is not the same as to “keep it to yourself.” One may, yea, must teach what he believes to be the truth on any subject even in matters of personal conduct. Paul clearly taught what he believed “the faith” teaches about eating meats — “I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself.” (v. 14). Paul did not violate his own instructions to “have it to yourself before God.” He taught what he believed “the faith” revealed on the subject. However, he realized that some were not yet convinced (they were weak in the faith). He could still show deference to them and let them practice their weak faith (and not violate their consciences) while helping them grow unto the knowledge of “the faith” that he had. Each needed to watch his attitude toward and treatment of the other because each would stand before God in judgment (v. 10).

This chapter is not dealing in things fundamental to the faith – the “first principles of the doctrine of Christ.” Those addressed were “in the faith” – though some were weak in it. To be in the faith they would have had to believe and obey the first principles of the gospel. So, it is not talking about working together while holding to different doctrines involving those fundamental matters.

This chapter is not dealing with questions of congregational practice. There is not one thing in the chapter that deals with what Christians are do together as a church before God. Everything in the chapter deals with personal conduct. In such matters of personal (and morally right) conduct there can be “unity in diversity” – which is a far cry from the “unity in diversity” advocated by some brethren. This is why brethren for years have been able to work together while holding various views on subjects of individual application. But when it comes to matters of corrupting congregational worship and work there can be no “unity in diversity.” When the instrument was introduced into congregational worship division came because it forced those who opposed it to sing with it or not sing – in either case it would violate their consciences, so they had to worship separately and mark those who brought it in as “those who cause divisions.” (Rom. 16:17). When missionary, benevolent, academic and other human societies were forced into church budgets, member had to either not give as commanded (1 Cor. 16:2) or contribute (have fellowship with) to that which they could not conscientiously support, so they likewise were forced to separate themselves so they could give in good conscience.

Again, we emphasize, Romans 14 does not cover matters of “the faith” that apply to congregational activity, but those matters (right within themselves) that apply to individual personal practices where Christians may differ while they grow together “till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a full grown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” (Eph. 4:13 American Standard Version).
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