Paul teaches us in Romans 14:13 not to “put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” Paul is saying, we should consider the person with a weak conscience who has not matured in the faith. In context the weak are the legalist who are struggling with eating meat offered to idols and observing holy days. These weak brothers are not to be judged on these matters of liberty, but are to be respected. Paul says, the strong should not put a stumbling block or cause of offense before these weak. In other words, you should sacrifice doing something you know is okay, for the sake of your brother, who may be offended and lead to stumble. The strong must consider their example as they live their convictions.
Yet, people can turn the stumbling block into a complainer’s stone. The weak, as Paul describes, are not the complainers who are upset for not getting their way. They are not the ones who try to stop every new idea or new ministry. The eldership can be turned into a board of complaints. Churches and elderships can be held captive by vocal members or a small clique who is always offended or seeking to bind their personal opinions on the whole congregation.
The purpose of Paul’s teachings in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 is not to justify the complainer, but to create mutual respect, acceptance, and love between brethren. As Charles Hodge Jr said some emphatic things along these lines which spurred my thoughts; here are his:
“Weak consciences are one thing; hard hearts are another. . . The weak conscience is an admission. . . People who hide behind “the stumbling block” usually think of themselves as strong. It is an admission of weakness. . . Be honest! The “stumbling block” is not used by novices, new converts, or weak members–it is used by “old settlers” to have their way. Since you now know better, do not let them get by with it.”
I don’t know if this short post made much sense outside of studying the overall passages, but I hope it has helped you better understand the distinction between respected the weak with their strong convictions and the complainer who is intent on getting his way.
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Check out Charles Hodge’s complete two articles at www.Biblecourses.com – The Stumbling Block (1 and 2).
