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"Rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block..."

Text: Romans 14:13

A MORE CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF ENERGY

Judging people expends a lot of energy- of the wrong and negative kind. Paul urged his readers to consider using their energy in a more constructive manner.

“But rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling
block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.”
Romans 14:13b

1. “But rather resolve this”

a) Paul offers an excellent alternative.

b) This alternative requires much “resolution”.

c) Paul appeals to a strong use of the mind to make this alternative solution work.

2. Resolving “not to put a stumbling block”

a) One can be a stumbling block (by being judgmental).

b) One can resolve not to put a stumbling block that others might stumble over.

i) Holding strong personal opinions.

ii) Imposing these strong opinions on others.

iii) Judging others who have a different understanding.

3. Resolving not to allow “a cause to fall in our brother’s way”

a) There ought to be more tender concern for a brother in Christ.

b) There ought to be recognition that there are some brothers who are weaker.

i) In faith

ii) In mind

iii) In spirit

c) Every effort ought to be made to ensure that the journey of faith is on good, smooth roads. That which may cause a brother to fall ought to be removed.

The believer is urged to pursue this alternative to judging others!