Progressive Revelation

There is an interesting progression to Romans 14:10-13.

Paul begins with a rebuke: "You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother?" (14:10a).

Oh but, it's so much easier to deal with the faults of others rather than our own.

That brings us to Paul's uppercut to the chin. He writes: "For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. It is written: 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God" (14:10b-12). The other guys will get their opportunity to turn red and stammer just like I'll get mine.

So maybe I should occupy myself with my own failures? That's Paul's next suggestion: "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another" (14:13a).

But Paul makes yet another suggestion. As believers we don't live in a vacuum—you look after your business and I'll look after mine. We are a community of faith, a family, a body—HIS body. What I do has a positive or negative affect on others and either blesses or curses them. And both of those eventually come back to bless or curse me.

Paul warns: "Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way" (14:13).

In judging my brother for some sin or failure, I might just be judging myself. Ouch!

Comments

  1. Such an excellent reminder. I often find that when I DO judge, it's something I'm struggling with. Ouch is RIGHT!

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