Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant?

Our reading today focuses upon the theme of relationships between fellow believers. The prevailing thought is the Lordship of Christ, which is mentioned implicitly, vv. 4 and 7, and explicitly, vv. 6, 8, 9.

Paul clearly shows that there are brethren who have certain scruples that those of greater understanding and Christian experience have discarded. One can imagine that the convert from Judaism might find it difficult to discard those aspects of Jewish ritual pertaining to meats and days. Similarly, those saved from the midst of Gentile idolatry may be extremely careful of meats and drinks, because of their knowledge of their use within the idolatrous systems. Paul is careful not to pass judgement upon either view. What he enjoins upon his readers is cordiality, v. 1. Those that are weak in the faith should be received with warmth and interest. He encourages communion, v. 3. The strong should not hold the weak in contempt, and the weak should not condemn the strong - there should be no real barriers to fellowship. As Paul teaches, God has received both at conversion without conditions. He would encourage individual conviction, v. 5. In matters of food as in matters of days, ‘Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind’. In such matters of indifference, it is appropriate for the individual conscience to be the guide. Paul teaches consideration, vv. 6, 7. It must be remembered that both weak and strong live their lives ‘unto the Lord’.

It has often been said that we are saved to serve. But service does not cease with death for ‘whether we die, we die unto the Lord’, v. 8. We were purchased for a purpose, and, as MOULE states, ‘When we die, we do not pass out of His bondservice, but only into another mode of it’. Emphasizing the Lordship of Christ teaches us that we have a responsibility to Him and He will review the outcomes of our service. Paul clearly states, ‘We shall all stand before the judgement seat of God’, v. 10 RV and JND. The ‘all’ is strongly emphatic, showing that none is exempt, but we must remember that our account is of ourselves, v. 12. We are answerable for our own service; not that of others!