“Whatsoever is not of faith is sin” Romans 14:23
IN the fourteenth chapter of Romans Paul considers the relationships of believers to their brethren who are weaker in the faith, and the liberty that each has in Christ to partake of or abstain from certain things, for example, the eating of meats. In so doing he contrasts those things which are earthly and temporal with those things which respect the kingdom of God, being heavenly and eternal. Constantly and repeatedly throughout the whole epistle, and here in a most practical part of it, the attention is set upon Christ and His Gospel.
Paul’s emphasis throughout this chapter is that many of the things which men so easily make rules out of, by which they judge one another, are in themselves of little consequence (14:14). What is important is the motive behind what we do, that all things should be done as unto the Lord, as springing forth from faith: “for whatsoever is not of faith is sin” Romans 14:23. All must regard Christ for He is all, and in all.
So much of what men stress in religion, so much of the practices which they press upon others, so much of what they set up as a standard by which they judge and condemn others, is that which springs forth from the flesh, is that which is earthly, not heavenly. It might seem ‘right and proper’ but it merely respects man approaching unto God in the will of his flesh. Such things owe nothing to the leading of the Spirit, and nothing to the walk of faith. The flesh so easily creeps into the things of God, and in to our judgment concerning such things. But we are called to walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh. To walk by faith, not by sight. Whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Whatsoever. Whatever we may do, however good it may seem before men outwardly, if it is not of faith, it is sin.
Yes, faith is the rule by which the believer walks. “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). This principle applies to all aspects of his life. He lives by faith. Hence Paul exhorts believers to be fully persuaded in their own minds (14:5) regarding their daily conduct, to live as “unto the Lord” (14:8) knowing that we are the Lord’s and to have a clear conscience before God regarding our conduct knowing that “every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). Paul reminds his brethren of the death and resurrection of Christ for them, that He might be Lord over them (14:9), and hence it is to Christ and Him alone that they are answerable for their conduct… so why do they, why do we, judge one another?
Nevertheless Paul reminds the stronger brethren to be mindful of those who are weaker and not to do such things as might make their weaker brethren stumble. It is better to abstain from something, even if there is nothing wrong in the thing itself, than to offend him which is weak in the faith (14:21). Likewise Paul stresses the need to avoid “doubtful disputations” (14:1) over such earthly, inconsequential things. Those who are young in the faith can often become very strong minded, and very vocal, about many things they think should or shouldn’t be done by Christians. The wisdom of those stronger in the faith, however, is to avoid such disputes over earthly things, avoid giving their weaker brethren offence through their own conduct, and to constantly be mindful of and exhort their brethren regarding the life of faith which is founded upon heavenly things. To point to Christ!
Paul therefore concludes this chapter by lifting the gaze of his hearers up from the earthly realm, from the inconsequential things of food and drink, and the keeping of days, to the hope of their faith, and that in which the kingdom of God stands:
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Romans 14:17-19.
May God give His people grace to continually walk by faith having their affections set not on earthly things, but heavenly, not judging one another, but following after the things which make for peace, those things which edify one another. For the just shall live by faith, and what is not of faith is sin.
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“The just shall live by faith” Hebrews 10:38
Here Paul is talking specifically about conflicts within the early Christian church. He is urging his fellow believers to not let earthly things like circumcision or the eating of “unholy” food be a stumbling block or a source of quarrel. Those were the specific things he was referring to. I wonder if though the principal of what he was saying is applicable to the modern Christian faith. In Paul’s day Christianity was a liberalization of the more ascetic Judaism but today Christianity has built for itself it’s own set of rules and practices that form stumbling blocks to non believers and young believers. Is our current American Chrsitian obsession with reclaiming Christmas, worshiping on Sunday, taking communion, not having sex before marriage, and other puritanical practices the same thing as what Paul was preaching against here? Does his principle of living by faith being the ultimate decider of the actions we take apply in such a broad stroke as to devalue the rules that we as Christians have created as guidelines to living a “real” Christian life? And if that’s the case and Christianity is a personal journey of faith and it’s manifestation is pegged to each individual what will a Christian look like? This liberalization against rules and regulations seems to be the principle that Paul is applying here but he seems to only apply it in the specific situation of his time, i.e. eating all foods, circumcision, etc. because in later passage he does give strict guidelines as to what behavior Christians should and should not do. If the message here is only applicable to Paul’s time then what about everything else he writes? I look to the bible for guidelines and answers but here I am spinning myself in circles.
@ nony
I agree with all you have said but I think you had gone a bit to far to suggest that the matter invalid such issues a sex before marriage which is a no brainer and Paul clearly speaks out against such a thing.
….Paul is only referring to minor non conciquencial issues. Everything else I.e sexual purity, love etc is all mandatory and outlined in the text at some Point e.g. Anything not clearly outlined or linked to consequence should be considered through faith I.e your personal relationship with Christ.
Thank you for your comments. However, Paul’s statement that ‘What is not of faith is sin’ is all encompassing. It means what it says. As such, we can also state plainly that all sin is not of faith.
Sexual immortality is sin, and hence it is not of faith. To claim that to teach against it is to set up some ‘man-made rule’ contrary to the rule of faith is sheer antinomianism.
The elect of God, quickened unto eternal life by the Spirit of God, through the power of His gospel are given new hearts, new desires, new motives. They walk by faith. Faith loves righteousness, and hates wickedness.
Thank you very much for the post. I’m a student and a growing Christian, I would just like to know if this also apply in going out to night clubs as well. This is an unresolved issue among my friends and I and I would really appreciate your input and clarity on this issue. The thing is going out might not be wrong, but once u go compromises start little at a time.
2lani,
Faith is a trust relationship with God your Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Since He has not forbid you going to night clubs in the scripture, you are left to decide in general, and for each time whether you should go. Of course you are not left alone to decide this. You walk with God. You hide His words your heart so you might not sin against him. You have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside you to guide you into all truth. You can confidently come to your Heavenly Father in prayer. You ask the Lord for wisdom, and He promises to give it. Saving Faith, Christian Faith, is not trust in a teaching or an idea ultimately, but trusting in God your Father and your precious Savior Jesus. Talk to Him about it, and encourage your friends to do so as well. Some of you might come to different decisions and yet both be following the Lord’s wisdom through His Word and the Holy Spirit. If so, honor the true convictions of your friends, and only try to encourage them otherwise if they are not acting in Faith, or if they are acting contrary to the express commands of the Lord.