DO NOT CAUSE YOUR BROTHER TO STUMBLE

DO NOT CAUSE YOUR BROTHER TO STUMBLE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 14:13-23

Key Verse: "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way." (Romans 14:13, KJV)

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 8:9-13; Matthew 18:6-7; Galatians 5:13; Philippians 2:3-4; Ephesians 4:29; 1 Corinthians 10:23-24.

Description: Christian liberty should always be exercised with love, ensuring that our words, actions, and choices strengthen rather than weaken the faith of others.

INTRODUCTION
In Romans 14:13-23, the Apostle Paul continues his teaching on relationships within the Body of Christ. Having instructed believers not to judge one another over matters of personal conviction, he now urges them to consider how their actions affect the spiritual lives of others. Christian freedom must never become an excuse for selfishness. Instead, it should always be governed by love and concern for fellow believers.

Paul acknowledges that believers may have different levels of spiritual understanding. While some Christians possess greater liberty in matters that are morally neutral, others may have tender consciences that are easily troubled. Mature believers are therefore called to limit their personal freedoms whenever exercising them would cause another believer to stumble spiritually.

This passage reminds us that the Kingdom of God is not centred on outward practices but on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Love values people above personal preferences. A spiritually mature believer seeks not merely personal rights but the spiritual growth, unity, and well-being of the entire Body of Christ.

1. AVOID BECOMING A STUMBLING BLOCK TO OTHERS
Believers should carefully consider how their actions influence fellow Christians.

a) Choose Not To Judge Others (Romans 14:13)
Instead of criticising others, determine never to place obstacles in their spiritual path.

b) Consider The Spiritual Welfare Of Others (Philippians 2:3-4)
Love seeks the good of others above personal convenience.

c) Protect Weak Consciences (1 Corinthians 8:9)
Even lawful actions should be avoided if they harm another believer's faith.

d) Walk In Love Daily (Galatians 5:13)
Christian liberty should always be expressed through humble service and genuine love.

Biblical Example: Paul (1 Corinthians 8:13). Paul declared that he would rather never eat meat again than cause a fellow believer to stumble in the faith.

2. VALUE PEOPLE ABOVE PERSONAL LIBERTY
Love is more important than insisting upon personal rights.

a) Do Not Destroy God's Work (Romans 14:15, 20)
Careless actions can damage the spiritual growth of fellow believers.

b) Walk According To Love (Romans 14:15)
Every decision should be motivated by sincere concern for others.

c) Seek Another Person's Good (1 Corinthians 10:24)
Christian maturity places the welfare of others ahead of personal preferences.

d) Be Willing To Make Sacrifices (Mark 10:45)
Following Christ often requires giving up personal rights for the benefit of others.

Biblical Example: Abraham (Genesis 13:8-11). Abraham willingly gave Lot the first choice of land, choosing peace and unity over personal advantage.

3. PURSUE THE THINGS THAT PROMOTE PEACE
The Kingdom of God flourishes where believers pursue unity and mutual edification.

a) The Kingdom Is About Righteousness, Peace, And Joy (Romans 14:17)
God's Kingdom is defined by spiritual realities rather than external rituals.

b) Build Up One Another (Romans 14:19)
Every believer should intentionally strengthen the faith of others.

c) Speak Words That Encourage (Ephesians 4:29)
Our conversations should impart grace and build spiritual maturity.

d) Promote Unity Within The Church (Psalm 133:1)
God delights in believers who live together in harmony and love.

Biblical Example: Barnabas (Acts 11:22-26). Barnabas consistently encouraged believers, strengthened the Church, and promoted unity among God's people.

4. LIVE BY FAITH AND A CLEAR CONSCIENCE
Every believer should act in faith and with a desire to please God.

a) Keep A Clear Conscience Before God (Romans 14:22)
Act according to biblical conviction without violating your conscience.

b) Whatever Is Not Of Faith Is Sin (Romans 14:23)
Actions should always arise from confidence in God's truth rather than doubt.

c) Seek To Please The Lord (Colossians 3:23-24)
Every aspect of life should be lived for God's honour and glory.

d) Grow In Spiritual Maturity (Hebrews 5:14)
Mature believers develop discernment and exercise wisdom in their conduct.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 1:8). Daniel resolved not to defile himself because his decisions were guided by faith, conviction, and a desire to honour God.

CONCLUSION
Romans 14:13-23 teaches that Christian liberty must always be governed by love. Believers are called not merely to ask whether something is permissible but whether it builds others up and glorifies God. Mature Christians willingly surrender personal preferences whenever necessary to protect the faith and spiritual growth of fellow believers.

Therefore, let us pursue righteousness, peace, and mutual encouragement within the Body of Christ. May our words, actions, and decisions strengthen rather than weaken others. As we walk in love and exercise our freedom wisely, the Church will grow in unity, maturity, and effectiveness, bringing honour to our Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for calling me to walk in love and spiritual maturity, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me never to become a stumbling block to any believer, in Jesus name.

3. Father, fill my heart with genuine concern for the spiritual welfare of others, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, teach me to value people above my personal rights and preferences, in Jesus name.

5. Father, let every word I speak bring encouragement and spiritual growth to others, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, help me to pursue peace and unity within the Body of Christ, in Jesus name.

7. Father, grant me wisdom to exercise my Christian liberty with humility and love, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, strengthen my conscience through Your Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name.

9. Father, help me to live by faith in every decision and action, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, make my life an example of holiness, love, and godly influence to everyone around me, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall never become a stumbling block to anyone but shall continually strengthen the faith of others.

2. The Lord shall fill your heart with wisdom, compassion, and genuine Christian love.

3. Every selfish attitude that hinders your spiritual growth shall be removed from your life.

4. You shall pursue peace, righteousness, and unity in every relationship.

5. The Holy Spirit shall guide your decisions so that your life continually honours God.

6. You shall grow into spiritual maturity and exercise your Christian liberty with wisdom.

7. Through your life, many believers shall be encouraged and established in the faith.

8. The Lord shall use you as an instrument of unity, healing, and restoration within His Church.

9. You shall walk with a clear conscience, unwavering faith, and joyful obedience to God's Word.

10. You shall continually walk in love, protect the faith of fellow believers, promote peace and spiritual growth, fulfil God's purpose for your life, and bring lasting glory to the name of Jesus Christ, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.