Romans 14:17-19: Why we should never be a stumbling block

Introduction:

Never be a stumbling block to another Christian, this is the point Paul has just been making, we carry on with Paul in 14:17-19 where he talks about why we should not be a stumbling block, ‘For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.’ Our portion begins with the word ‘for’ indicating its connection with what Paul has just been saying. Paul has told the Romans to decide never to be a stumbling block and listed several reasons why: because it is a sin to act against conscience; because we are to walk in love; because we should not destroy our brethren; because Christ died for them; because Christ’s reputation is at stake. In this section Paul adds two more reasons for why we should commit to never being a stumbling block. V17 is an argument on the basis of the nature of the kingdom of God; v18 is an argument based on gaining the approval of God and man. And Paul ends with a call for commitment in v19 to pursue peace and mutual upbuilding.