Let Faith Guide Your Convictions
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | November 14, 2026 | Romans 14:20–23
KEY VERSE:
“But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” Romans 14:23 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Sometimes we face decisions that appear acceptable to others but leave us uncertain about what is right before God. We may hear different opinions from fellow Christians and still struggle to decide what to do. In Romans 14:20–23, Paul addresses such situations through the example of food. He reminds believers that all food is clean, yet their choices must consider the spiritual well-being of others. He warns against destroying God's work in another believer's life through the careless exercise of personal freedom. Our decisions should reflect our devotion to Christ and genuine concern for those around us.
Paul then draws attention to personal convictions. In verse 22, he instructs believers to keep their convictions about these disputed matters between themselves and God. This calls for humility in the way we hold and express our beliefs. We should examine our convictions through Scripture and prayer, allowing God's Word to shape our understanding. Paul also speaks of the blessing of having a clear conscience concerning what we approve. When our decisions agree with convictions grounded in God's Word, we can act with confidence before Him. We must also respect the sincere concerns of fellow believers and avoid encouraging anyone to act against their conscience.
The chapter closes with a serious warning. Paul teaches that a person who eats while doubting whether doing so is right acts without the assurance of faith. His concern is the decision to proceed when we believe an action may be wrong before God. When our conscience is troubled, we should pause, seek God's guidance, and examine the matter carefully. As we complete Romans 14, we are reminded to welcome fellow believers, honour Christ in our convictions, avoid judging others unfairly, and make choices that strengthen Christian fellowship. Faith should guide our convictions, and love should shape how we exercise our freedom. Consider your decisions today. Are you acting with a clear conscience before God?
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Think of one decision you are uncertain about. Before acting, examine what Scripture teaches, pray for understanding, and seek wise Christian counsel where necessary. Make your decision with a clear conscience before God, considering how it may affect the faith of others.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the lessons of this chapter. Teach me to walk by faith and to keep a clear conscience before You. Help me hold my convictions humbly, protect the faith of others, and never destroy what You are building. Let my life, in every choice, reflect trust in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
Day 318 John 13–16 — Jesus Teaches His Disciples About Love, the Holy Spirit, and Abiding in Him.
DAILY word study: DOUBTS The Greek word διακρίνω (diakrinō) can mean to distinguish, judge, hesitate, or doubt, depending on the context.
In Romans 14:23, Paul uses the form διακρινόμενος (diakrinomenos) to describe someone who doubts whether a particular action is right.
Paul warns believers against acting when they doubt whether their actions honour God. In the passage, he speaks about someone who eats while uncertain whether doing so is right before the Lord.
Our conscience deserves careful attention. When uncertainty arises, we should examine Scripture, seek God's guidance through prayer, and develop convictions rooted in His Word.
Faith guides us to make decisions we can sincerely present before God with a clear conscience.
Reflect on This:
What choice should you prayerfully reconsider before taking action?
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