Acceptable To God; Approved By Men

June 4th, 2025
by Lance Waldie

Romans 14:16-18 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Divisions inside a church almost always make their way outside the church and cause the church in general to be scoffed at and spoken of as evil. Having just warned the strong believers in v. 15 about the dangers of using their liberties in Christ to the destruction of their weaker brethren, Paul draws a conclusion with “therefore,” clearly signifying that he is still addressing the strong believers in the church. What was for them a “good thing” was (and is) their freedom in Christ to do all things that are neither forbidden in Scripture nor outlawed by the laws of the land. But when those “good things” offend or bring about the loss of spiritual well-being in weak Christians, the offended party will almost always depart from the church and/or speak evil of it. Some simply transfer to another church while others never come back. Paul’s exhortation is that no exercise of Christian liberty is worth that (cf. 1 Cor. 8:7-13).

A strong Christian is not a perfect Christian; hence, Paul’s warnings to them. Christians strong in their faith and understanding of grace often become proud and selfish. Selfish insistence on one’s way, however, can and will bring about a reproach from those outside the church. Their behavior not only causes wounded believers harm, it has also caused unbelievers to slander Christ. What is of far greater valuable than a Christian’s freedom is the gospel itself. And when the gospel is slandered as a result of a Christian’s behavior, God will discipline His own.

In v. 17 Paul gives a theological explanation of his teaching because being careful not to offend the weak and those outside the church is not something that is a pet peeve of his; rather, it stems from what the kingdom of God is like. If the strong can gain some perspective through this, it will guide them in their dealings with the weak. In truth, the kingdom of God is both present and future, and the present reality of God’s kingdom on earth has nothing to do with such trivialities as one’s right to eat, drink, or celebrate whatever day they wish. One is no better for partaking of these or abstaining from them.

Now the present reality of God’s kingdom concerns “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Of course “righteousness” concerns the Christian’s status before God who declared him such by faith. But in this context the term simply speaks of that which is right, for God’s kingdom concern that which is right. Theologically, the “peace” is the state of having been reconciled to God with whom we were previously enemies (cf. 5:1). Applying this peace, R.K. Hughes says it beautifully: “Kingdom peace is an inner unflappability which remains undisturbed by minor irritations, a quiet assurance that God is at work.” Finally, the “joy” is that inner delight that is always present in believers, even in dark times. Food and drink are not what the kingdom of God is all about! So, to abuse one’s Christian freedom by elevating these trivialities above eternal virtues is absurd. Again, Hughes says, “The Kingdom of God is not operative in your life if your rights are so important to you that you are willing to separate from a brother who does not agree with you.”

In v. 18 “this way” refers to the kind of service that is acceptable to God, specifically the kind of service that focuses on matters central to the kingdom of God (cf. v. 17). The one who serves Christ as the result of having been declared righteous by God, the root of his peace and joy, is the one who meets with God’s approval. He is “acceptable” (Gr. euarestos) to God—a word used almost exclusively for deeds that are pleasing to God. Also, he is “approved” (Gr. dokimos) by men—a word used as a condition that results from trial and scrutiny; one who is reliable. Rather than being slandered by the weak, he is esteemed for his maturity in Christ.

Food For Thought
It’s amazing how Paul keeps instructing those who treasure the doctrines of Romans 1-11 on how to worship Christ who saved them (12:1-2). What else is worship than to do what is acceptable to God? So go, treat others with love, accept their quirks (as you demand that they accept yours), and be a walking worship service unto our Almighty God—daily.