Romans 14:20 – “Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Paul’s teaching on Christian unity and responsibility in matters of personal conviction. He warns believers not to destroy God’s work over something as minor as food.

Paul makes two important points:

1. “Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.”
   • The “work of God” refers to the faith and spiritual growth of fellow believers.
   • A Christian’s freedom should never be used in a way that harms another believer’s faith or causes division in the church.
   • Something as minor as food should never be more important than loving and supporting fellow believers.
2. “All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.”
   • Paul restates that food itself is not spiritually unclean. Under the new covenant, food laws from the Old Testament are no longer binding (Mark 7:18-19).
   • However, even though eating certain foods is not sinful, if it causes another believer to struggle in their faith, it becomes wrong for that situation.
   • Christian love means being willing to set aside personal freedoms if they might harm another believer.

Paul’s message is clear: Freedom in Christ should never be used carelessly. If exercising freedom in a way that hurts someone’s faith, love should come first.

Historical Context

Paul was addressing a divided church in Rome made up of Jewish and Gentile believers.

• Jewish Christians grew up following strict dietary laws from the Old Testament (Leviticus 11). Many still felt it was wrong to eat foods that had been previously forbidden.
• Gentile Christians had no background in these laws and felt free to eat anything.

This created conflict in the church. Some Jewish Christians were judging Gentiles for eating freely, while some Gentiles were pressuring Jews to abandon their dietary restrictions.

Paul warns both groups to be careful:

• To the Gentiles: Just because food is clean doesn’t mean you should eat it if it hurts a fellow believer.
• To the Jews: Don’t hold onto food laws as a requirement for faith.

Paul’s goal was unity in the church. He didn’t want people tearing each other down over something as small as food.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths about Christian life:

1. Christian freedom should not harm others.
   • Just because something is allowed does not mean it is always right to do it.
   • Love for others should guide our choices (Galatians 5:13).
2. God’s work in people’s lives is more important than personal preferences.
   • Dividing the church over minor issues can hinder spiritual growth and cause unnecessary conflict.
3. The New Testament removes Old Testament food laws.
   • Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:18-19).
   • Peter’s vision confirmed this truth (Acts 10:15).
   • Food itself is not sinful, but how we use our freedom matters.
4. Love is greater than personal rights.
   • If something harms another believer’s faith, it should be avoided out of love (1 Corinthians 8:9).

Paul’s teaching is not just about food—it applies to any area where personal freedom could hurt someone else’s faith.

Literary Analysis

Romans 14:20 has a strong contrast between what is true and what is wise.

• Truth: “All food is clean.”
  • Spiritually speaking, food is not sinful or unclean under the new covenant.
• Wisdom: “It is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.”
  • Just because something is permissible does not mean it is always beneficial.

Paul uses strong language (“Do not destroy the work of God”) to emphasize how serious this issue is. He wants believers to understand that causing division or harming another believer’s faith is no small matter.

Biblical Cross-References

• Mark 7:18-19 – “Nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them… In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.” Jesus made it clear that food does not make someone spiritually unclean.
• 1 Corinthians 8:9 – “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” Paul warns that Christian freedom should not cause others to stumble.
• Galatians 5:13 – “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Freedom in Christ should be used for love, not selfishness.
• Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Christian living is about putting others first.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is still very relevant today. Just as in Paul’s time, Christians today have different convictions about certain behaviors, such as:

• Entertainment choices (movies, music, social media)
• Alcohol consumption
• Worship styles (traditional vs. modern)
• Holidays (Christmas, Halloween, etc.)

Paul’s teaching applies to all of these issues. Instead of asking, “Can I do this?” we should ask, “How does this affect others?”

Living out this verse means:

1. Putting relationships above personal freedom.
   • If something might harm another believer, we should be willing to let it go for their sake.
2. Focusing on building up others.
   • Our goal should be to help others grow in faith, not create division.
3. Avoiding unnecessary arguments over minor issues.
   • The church should not be divided over personal preferences.

This verse challenges us to think beyond ourselves and consider how our actions affect others.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He values each believer.

• God’s work in a person’s life is precious. He is growing and shaping each believer.
• God desires unity, not division. He calls His people to love, patience, and understanding.
• God’s love is sacrificial. Just as Jesus gave up His rights for us, we should be willing to give up small freedoms for the sake of others.

This verse reflects God’s heart for His people—He cares about our unity and spiritual well-being.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the perfect example of someone who gave up His rights for the sake of others.

• Philippians 2:6-7 – “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing.”
• Romans 15:3 – “For even Christ did not please himself.” Jesus lived selflessly, always putting others first.
• Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Jesus set aside His own comfort to bring salvation.

If Jesus sacrificed for us, then we should be willing to sacrifice small freedoms for the sake of others.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there any personal freedoms you need to reconsider for the sake of others?
2. Have you ever seen a minor issue cause division in the church? How could it have been handled differently?
3. How can you prioritize love over personal preference in your daily life?
4. Are there any areas where you judge others for their convictions instead of encouraging them?
5. How can you follow Jesus’ example of humility and selflessness?