SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

- In Romans 14:13-23, Paul continues to address issues in the church (at the time he was writing this book) concerning the cleanness or uncleanness of foods. From Romans 14:14, what is his opinion on the matter? Read Mark 7:14-23. Why does Paul have the conviction he has? So then, why would Paul write, "it is unclean for anyone who thinks it is unclean?" What is the biblical principle here?

- If Romans 14:3-4 teaches us to not judge our brothers and sisters in matters of opinion, what kind of judgment is Romans 14:13 calling us to? In what ways can members of a church trip or hinder others in their spiritual walks? Have you seen times when peace (see Romans 14:19) was not present in church relationships? If so, how did that look? How did it make you feel?

- 1 Corinthians 8 is a similar passage to Romans 14. When we put stumbling blocks in front of our brothers and sisters' spiritual paths, who does 1 Corinthians 8:12 say we are sinning against? What does Romans 14:15 say Christ did for brothers or sisters you disagree with? How sobering are these thoughts?

- If hindering others and causing them to stumble is a sin, what are ways this is happening in our times? Is this happening in your life? If building up is the work of God, how can we be doing this in these times?