Judges 9 - Danger from Within

Judges 9
56 Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech, which he had done to his father in killing his seventy brothers. 57 Also God returned all the wickedness of the men of Shechem on their heads, and the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal came upon them.

Message: Danger from Within

Time: Judges covers about 250 years from death of Joshua to birth of Samuel (1360-1110 BC). The people of Israel largely divided with different local triable judges. It was a period of stirring interventions by the Lord and also great disobedience on the part of the Israelites. Without a king, everyone did right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). 

What the Lord is Saying: Gideon has died and now his son Abimelech is coming into power, but appears to be starting off on the wrong foot - focusing on himself instead of God as he becomes king (verse 7) at the expense of others who fall dead. 

I have seen this cycle in Judges with the people - Evil, Discipline, Prayer/Revival, Restoration. It now seems that the restoration period, as mentioned for example in Judges 8:28 as being 40 years was also marked by a period of people falling away. So it wasn't all good. It was simply that it wasn't a period of discipline. The Lord gave the people grace, but in that time was a gradual falling away. For instance, 8:30 mentions that Gideon had many wives (70 descendants) for soon after his death, without him around the people dove head first into idolatry (8:33). And so that descent is the precursor of this chapter. 

Abimelech decides that he should be king. He convinces the people around him that with all of the descendants Gideon has had, it makes the most sense to let himself be the ruling heir. He receives jewels from a worship house of Baal that allows him to hire fellows that will come with him to his father's house and kill his siblings, all 70 of them, though it is actually 69, as Jotham was spared (v. 4-5) because he hid himself. Jotham has still an allegiance with God. He tries to speak of this to the men of Shechem (v.7-21) a warning that God will judge these people for going their own way. 

After 3 years of Abimelech ruling (v. 22), an evil spirit is sent to create discord between Abimelech and the men of Shechem. This discord continues when the men of Shechem switch their trust from Abimelech now to a new leader - Gaal the son of Ebed. One of Abimelech's rulers hears of this and sets up an ambush (v. 32 "lie in wait in the field") and eventually overtook these other people creating the discord (v. 41) and eventually slaying all of these other companies of people (v. 45). But victory did not last long for Abimelech. A woman would end up throwing a stone on Abimelech, crushing his skull (53). He lived and rather than it being said a woman killed him, he has another man kill his with a sword (54). 

The discord had been set and God had used these evil men and their choices to eventually take away the opposition and presence of evil. 

Summary: After the death of Gideon, his son Abimelech basically erects himself as king, slaying the his siblings, though one son Jotham remains, but discord erupts and Abimelech and the people of Shechem eventually period because of their sin. 

Promise: We must be careful of the sin we tolerate, it creates a discord among people, among us, that can be damaging. 

Prayer: O Lord, my allegiance to You needs to be one of my whole heart. It is not simply one of duty in order to receive blessings and yet blessings come when our lives are lived before you of heartfelt obedience. My trust in You needs to be one of trust in You not duty so that I will receive a blessing. It is hard to hear of discord that occurs. It is hard to be around it. Thank you for these lessons and the reminder to me of not letting sin be tolerated but also to remain consistent in my faith and trust of you. Teach me the meaning of this and help me to be guarded against the world and their ways. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Corinthians 11:27-32 - The Lord's Supper and Examination

I Corinthians 11:27-32

27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. 30 For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. 31 But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

Message: The Lord's Supper and Examination

Time: Not the first, but 2nd letter to Corinthians, but the first to survive and to be considered authoritative. Written in AD 55, it was penned after Paul had reports of quarreling in this church he had previously visited. Paul covers a number of subjects, but all focus on the Christian's life in the church.

What the Lord is Saying: In thinking and studying about the Lord's Supper, it seems that there is more to this observance or sacrament than meets the eye. I think we are tempted to think this is simply a duty and a duty that must be done to stay in good standing with God and the Church. But after further study, it is way more than this. Yes, it is about remembrance. But it is also about being united with Christ. Jesus desired to have this time with us and so He is with us in this time. God redeemed His people and this needs to be celebrated. It is also a means to proclaim what Christ has done and so in a way it is evangelistic. And yet there seems to be a supernatural meaning, like I studied last time, that by taking this I am feeding on Christ. Jesus is the Bread of Life, meaning He is my everything and when I am with Christ in this observance, I am receiving everything I need. 

The idea that there is more to this sacrament than meets the eye can be inferred in today's passage when Paul states that the Lord's supper needs to be done after self-examination for when it isn't done in this way then judgment happens to a person. Verse 30 states, "For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep." 

A quick example of this is found in Genesis 3:14 when "The Lord God said to the serpent, because you have done this, cursed are you..." Our actions can bring about a curse and so we do need to be careful about how the Lord's Supper occurs in our lives. 

In 1 Corinthians 11, starting in verse 17, Paul mentions hearing about divisions among people in the church and he says therefore that when they meet with these divisions, they are not to eat the Lord's Supper. And then in verse 27, remarks that taking of this must be done not "in an unworthy manner." There is consideration that must be made to our brother. This isn't a meal to fill hunger and Paul infers this by saying, "If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home (verse 34)." Thus, eating this is different. It is different than having a meal or eating food. And he mentions we need to "judge the body rightly." This is something to observe that commemorates what Christ has done for us on the cross in saving us, in redeeming mankind, in redeeming Me. Since I have been alive, churches have mentioned that therefore this is a sacrament that only the Saved are to take and receive. The unrepentant and un-regenerated sinner should not take this because they are not yet remembering a change of heart. And this should be done to remember that and to celebrate in our union with Christ. 

Thus, when we come to the Lord's table, we or "a man must examine himself." We need to be careful to state this Supper as ascribing only to Jesus. We use words to describe it and each person needs to be in prayer in not only thanking God but confessing that they are rightly receiving it and are changed because of Christ in their life. 

I am encouraged often in the Bible that I need to be careful. We need to be careful of our actions. We are to consider our ways. The world preaches this mantra of following one's heart and just doing what we want, but God tells us and reminds us that we need to be careful (Luke 8:18; Proverbs 13:3; Mark 4:24; Proverbs 4:23; Deuteronomy 8:11). 

Summary: In coming to have the Lord's Supper, examine oneself, treat this meal as different from other meals and if there is a problem, don't partake of it till it is cleared up. 

Promise: If we come to the Lord's Table confessing our sin and repenting for it, we may freely partake of the bread and wine.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping me see the importance of the Lord's Supper. It is not to be taken in a casual manner. It is a serious occasion to examine myself, but it is also a celebration that signifies my new life in Christ and what you have done for me; done that which I could not do on my own. So help me to encourage this, to encourage this in my life and others. Let it bring You glory and be done always for the right reason. Guard people in this in churches and throughout our land and world so that You are always honored Lord and Praise. 

John 14:26 - Divine Begottenness and Procession

John 14:26
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

Message: Divine Begottenness and Procession

Time: While John does not admit to have written this gospel, there is ample evidence from others that he did. It was most likely written in Ephesus around 85-95 AD and is the fourth gospel. John provides a Jesus more clearly as the Son of God. John cites Jesus' seven "I Am" statements, mentions many miracles of Jesus, signifying Him as God's Son. He is the Son of Man and atoned for our sins and the Son of God with eternal implications in rising from the dead.

What the Lord is Saying:

Today's Tabletalk devotional starts with a discussion about the notion that each person has a human nature that includes a mind, a body, and a will, but each person's nature is different from one another. While we each have a human nature, our individual attributes are distinct. However, in regards to the three persons of the Godhead, the three persons do not have three different minds, but have one identical mind. And this is the same for every other divine attribute.

The question then is what makes each person of the Trinity different. The Bible teaches that (1) the Father is unbegotten, (2) the Son is begotten, and (3) the Holy Spirit is procession.

Regarding the Son, John 1:18 says, No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. In John 3:16 Jesus says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."  Begotten and derivatives of the Greek word are used multiple times in Scripture to talk about a special relationship between a Father or Mother and a son or daughter. John is the only Gospel writer to connect the relationship between Jesus and the Father. It talks of one being the only child of another. Yet both the Son and the Father have always existed. Even though He is begotten of the Father, his existence is the same as the Father.

Regarding the Holy Spirit, John 14:26 says the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name. Begottenness is the unique quality of the Son, procession is the unique property of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. There was a distinctive relationship between the Holy Spirit and the Father and the Son before time began. This passage talks about the special purpose of the Spirit - as a teacher and a reminder of all that Jesus has said. But the Spirit is also said to be sent by Jesus in John 15:26, though this verse speaks still primarily it would seem as coming from the Father. When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me. Thus there is debate as to whether the Spirit proceeds from the Son.

The difficult in these explanations is that we use human words or human explanations to explain eternal beings that are infinite, immutable and incomprehensible. Man is a created being and his words are created in order to communicate and they have limitations. I think of the word Love and all that it encompasses. Love can mean so many different things and sometimes the word Love does not convey the entire story. Scripture attempts to describe the relationship between these 3 persons of the Godhead and based upon all of the Words we have there is a natural conclusion to show that they are all divine and all of the same mind and attributes. Yet, as we work on describing this we fall into difficulties of explanation.

Purpose: It is important to study about God and His nature to help give us a further glimpse at who God is. Knowing this moves us to worship Him for His greatness and thus fulfill the purpose for which we were made.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for wisdom from the ages and how people have studied your words and come to conclusions that help me to better understand You. Lord, you have ministered specifically to me and spoken specifically to Me in a way that I struggle defining at times in my life. I don't understand it fully but I knot it to be true in me. I do thank you for these words from various individuals and thank you for breathing life into these words that I read. I continue to trust You and while there are questions that come up in my mind at times I continue to have peace that you are God, that Jesus you are God, that Spirit you are God and my mission on this earth is to glorify and testify of You. You have made me to be a person of relationship. You are eternal and creator and yet there is a closeness with You. Continue to help me to be clear in that understanding and communicating this to others.

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with January being about the doctrine of God.

Mark 9:38-41 - On the Side of Jesus

Mark 9:38-41
³⁸ John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” ³⁹ But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. ⁴⁰ For he who is not against us is for us. ⁴¹ For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.


Message: On the Side of Jesus

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Preface - Jesus continues in Capernaum and continues with the thought that as we desire to be great ourselves and also we desire to have God in our life, being there for others, serving others, and receiving little people as valued people, as no different from the powerful is what we must do.

It's interesting in this study of Mark, to see the disciples and what Mark is emphasizing repeatedly, the teaching from Jesus that is sort of the Opposite Way of how people see their lives. The disciples in their discourse thinking about who among them is the greatest means that they see themselves as a a separate or distinct group. They are unique. But, more than being unique, they think of themselves as special. And this special feeling makes them feel like they are on a higher plane than others. And the danger here now in John's words was that what Jesus is trying to teach his disciples, namely that they need to lean on God's power and trust God's power and live life in Jesus' name was reserved for the disciples. But it is not.

John said to Jesus, Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name. So the disciples saw that someone outside of their circle was attempting or trying to cast out demons in Your name. Obviously, someone had understand Jesus' teaching. In describing the scene John gets it right. What Jesus is saying to them over and over is to cast out demons and do things in His Name, in the name of Jesus. And here is someone that is doing that. 

Yet, John has a problem with this person and thinks possibly that he isn't allowed to do this because
we tried to prevent him because he was not following us. Wow. This person shouldn't be doing this because he is not one of us. The complaint was not that he "was not following you, Jesus" but that he "was not following us." And yet he was following Jesus. But, the man was clearly bearing fruit, so this is how he should be evaluated. 

Today, I think of an application in this message as to how we often will align ourselves with a denomination or type of church and then think that only those people in that church are following the Lord. And if a person is outside of that church, and therefore not part of our church, then they are not doing it correctly. But Jesus says to look at the fruit. Let the fruit of the person be the guide and not what group they are involved with. 

Thus, Jesus says, "Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me." If a person does something in the name of Jesus then he will be incapable of speaking evil of Him. Again, Jesus says to focus on the fruit. Is the fruit correct? Is their motivation correct? I wonder at times if people that belong to different sects that we know on a whole to be wrong are still wrong. I know in my faith there is certain terminology that I expect to hear in people and when I don't hear those words I often don't think they are true followers or followers of Jesus at all. Yet, Jesus says words that are similar to the words of James in his book when he says that faith alone, without works is a dead faith (James 2:17). Our lives of faith will have works. 

Jesus then speaks For he who is not against us is for us. Psalm 115:1 has these words that Chris Tomlin, the worship singer, crafted into a song: Not to us, O Lord, not to us, But to Your name give glory. There are two kinds of people, those who are for Jesus and those who are not. This really is one of those teachings from Jesus that I struggle with because he is focusing on works and he is saying that if people say they are for me, then they are, they are not against me. I struggle because of the divisions us in Christendom, specifically the conservative ones view those who are more experiential in their faith. I mean, Jesus here sort of points out a bottom line thought, and that is, "are people for me? Do they act in My name? If so, they are for me and we shouldn't be trying so hard to make them out to be people who are not following after him. I think it is okay to debate over their theology, but we should not be so quick to say they are not for Jesus. 

Jesus says For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward. But are there boundaries on essential matters? Yes, and yet, I don't understand sometimes followers who seem to be truly following Jesus even if the leaders of the church or organization they are in are leading them on a different course. This can be a tough lesson. 

Summary - As they continue in Capernaum, John the Apostle mentions to Jesus that someone is casting out a demon in Jesus' name and yet that person is not part of their group. Jesus calls out and says that being part of their group is not what sets people apart as followers of Him or being for him or not followers or not for Him - but instead the issue is are they doing things in Jesus' name. Are they acting in God's name? Thus, we need to look at the fruit, the people group they are in.  

Promise: I learned these words from reading the book of Numbers - Be Careful. I need to not be so quick to judge others as being wrong, focus on their works and then talk to them about their faith. But, don't quickly turn them away because they belong to the wrong group. 

Prayer: Lord, the message that you preach is a message that is an opposite way sort of message. It is different from the way I am often trained in the world and that world training includes how different religious sects train me. Lord, teach me the truth in this message. Teach me what it truly means and how I should view other people in my life. Lord, I want all people to know you and I stare often at their theology rather than their works. Help me to start with their works and then make a bridge to discuss theology. I think of the online ministry I am involved in and this is tough, because we only know from people what they share. Again, help me in what I think about others, to be true to You and Your Word.

Mark 2:18-20 - The Proper Day of Fasting

Mark 2:18-20
18 John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and they came and said to Him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?” 19 And Jesus said to them, “While the bridegroom is with them, the attendants of the bridegroom cannot fast, can they? So long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20 But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.

Message: The Proper Day of Fasting

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: As I continue to walk through the Gospel of Mark, I am trying to understand what Mark is focusing on in this verses. Going back to Mark 1 he is stating that Jesus purpose was to preach the gospel of repentance and believing. Along the way, people were coming to him wanting to be healed. However, he seems to be more about preaching than healing. In speaking to the paralytic his focus was on showing people the importance of forgiving sins and then healing could be done. But forgiveness of sins was that which is most important.

As Jesus is preaching, the scribes and Pharisees are watching what he is doing and often calling it into question. Jesus speaks with an authority that is greater than the rabbi's.

These verses are talking about fasting. It's clear that John the Baptist and the Pharisees and their disciples were engaging in fasting on a regular basis. There are examples in the Old Testament of people abstaining from food while they repented for sin. Fasting was often a sign of piety and the Pharisees were known for fasting on Mondays and Thursdays. I wonder if by including John the Baptist in this question Mark is communicating that this question is quite normal to be asking and isn't meant to be critical but just inquisitive.

Jesus doesn't say there is anything wrong with fasting. He simply remarks that fasting is not necessary because he is with them. But, Jesus speaks in a 3rd person manner. Likening himself to a bridegroom, Jesus reminds them that no one fasted during a wedding celebration. The time for fasting would come, but not while the bridegroom is present.

For as a young man marries a virgin,
So your sons will marry you;
And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
So your God will rejoice over you.Isaiah 62:5

There is a likening of the bridegroom with God Himself.

Promise: When the bridegroom was present, it was time to celebrate, and we will celebrate at the marriage supper of the Lamb when we see Jesus face-to-face. Until then, while He is visible absent, fasting is appropriate when we want to indicate the serious nature of particular prayers. While we wait for Christ's return, there are right times to fast.

Prayer: Lord, I look forward to that day when I can spend face to face time with you like the disciples had. I know it is coming. Until then, I surrender myself and with your help and grace enter into fellowship with You. Help me to understand fasting and its place in my life. I want to lean on and trust you.

Romans 14:22b - Passing Judgment on Ourselves

Romans 14:22b - Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.

Message: Passing Judgment on Ourselves

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying:  

The Christian has a freedom in Christ. I am free from sin. I am free from the consequences of sin. I am free from judgment. This freedom means that, before God, I am completely accepted. I do not have to fear other Christians. I can be confident that the faith God has given me is true. Even in the context here of this passage, there is freedom because in matters of moral indifference, I do not need to make sure people here my conviction, because it is possible my conviction could hurt my immature believer friend. So, Paul says, "Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves."

The immature believer will often pass judgment on themselves and sometimes call too many things as sinful. I think I've struggled with this possible. In the Tabletalk lesson for the day, the writer mentions watching movies and that watching movies in and of themselves is not sinful. I wonder about this. It seems like the immature Christian at times thinks they can continue doing things in life and those things will have no effect on them. So, its possible the immature Christian continues going to R rated movies, not realizing that these are filled with profanity and he shouldn't see them. He can see movies, but needs to be careful. But, Tabletalk just mentions it a little differently. I am not sure I agree with the statement or maybe I don't understand. When I was a new Christian one of the first things I did was get rid of all of the secular music I had. I thought it was glorifying Satan and so I destroyed it and then started getting Christian music instead. I bought a lot of that secular music, but my mom bought me the Christian music. I think that was the right thing to do, but I do think today, as a more mature Christian, I can listen to secular music and not be affected by it. So, maybe that is the same thought with movies. Maybe the immature believer does need to abstain from certain inputs into their lives because of their state of immaturity.

One of the things that I am seeing in my children right now is there playing of computer games and the volume of time they waste doing that. It seems to be a lot of immaturity. As we get older, time gets more valuable and the things we want to do with it are often more important. It seems frivolous to spend that time playing video games. I am amazed at older people that continue to spend lots of time at casino's. And yet, there is a lot of immaturity in their habits. As a Christian, it is important to me to preach the gospel and call people to faith and repentance. This is what I need to do. This is why I think it is so important to continue to speak of sin in a worship service and I'm thrilled the church I attend now does this. I need to be reminded of sin in my life. It is in many dark crevices of my life and it needs to be revealed.

John Calvin mentions that what Paul is speaking of here is the person that understands the Word of God and allows the Word of God to form His conscience. Many people do as they please in life and have no guide for right and wrong.

I saw this on PreceptAustin.org, "Charles Spurgeon, at the height of his fame, was one day walking down the street and saw a sign which read, “We sell the cigar that Charles Spurgeon smokes.”  Upon seeing this sign Spurgeon gave up the habit. He came to see that what was for him a freedom might cause others to stumble. 

And yet through all of this I am seeing the differences. People may have a difference opinion at various levels of maturity about listening to movies and listening to music. I have a couple of Christian friends that continue to speak in ways that just don't seem right. They continue to have filthy mouths. I don't comprehend that. I remember Ephesians 4:29 being an important verse for me as a kid to curb how I speak. But, is this something that I need to not call out in people? Do I leave this alone and realize that people have different convictions. I am not sure. This is a passage that I can document understanding, but its application is still difficult.

Promise: Preach the gospel and call people to faith and repentance.
 

Romans 14:22a - Keeping Faith to Yourself

Romans 14:22a - The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God.


Message: Convictions are not doctrine

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying:

It is important here to stay with the context of the passage and not veer away from it. This is a chapter on Christian liberty, or how to conduct myself in a world in which questions arise that are often outside the realm of an explicit direction or commandment or lesson from the Bible. God knew this would happen. God expected this to happen. God clearly wants this to happen. And so in this happening, what is to be my response through those questions? Or how am I to respond to my brother that has a difference of opinion and Paul states from the very beginning that these are "opinions (verse 1)."

1. I am to accept my brother. Don't allow the difference to divide. (verse 1)
2. Do not use the difference as an opportunity to judge my brother (verse 3, 4)
3. Each person can praise and thank God even though there are differences (verse 6)
4. Each person is the Lord's and belongs to the Lord (verse 8)
5. Each person is accountable to the Lord (verse 12)
6. Do not be a stumbling block to your brother (verse 13)
7. Be careful that your life lines up with your beliefs (verse 16)
8. Pursue peace and building one another up (verse 19)

Those are some of the ideas that I glean from this passage. I am sure someone else may come up with different conclusions. 

This leads me to today's verse, "The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God." Differences are often the result of convictions. These convictions are important, but these convictions are not doctrine. I am to have that conviction between me and God, but not shove it onto another person. Often, the best course of action is to keep my convictions to myself, so as to not create a stumble for my brother.

I have a conscience that helps me as a person decide between right and wrong.  My conscience is informed, though, by Scripture.

Promise: I am to persuade others with gentleness and patience, not with arrogance.

Romans 14:20-21 - Protecting the Work of God

Romans 14:20-21 - ²⁰ Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. ²¹ It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.

Message: Protecting the Work of God

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying:

It is amazing how much the issue of food has overridden this chapter. 

Verse 2 - eats all things versus vegetables only; the focus here was comparing the weak in faith to those with faith (mature) -- we are to accept one another irregardless, not regard with contempt or judge a person God has accepted (verse 3). 
Verse 6 - a person eats or does not eat does so for the Lord, giving thanks to the Lord. 
Verse 14 - in the Lord Jesus nothing is unclean, but if something thinks something is unclean, then it is to him. So be it. 
Verse 17 - the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking; that is not the goal; do not make a minor thing a major thing. 

In verse 19, it is clear that my purpose toward my brother is to pursue peace and it is to build that brother up. It is to be concerned about his growth in Christ. My focus is on him, not on myself. I am not living life in order to make myself happy or please myself, but for the purpose of my brother and building him up. 

I spoke to a man at the mall last night and he mentioned that he was happy with his life because he had a girl in his life that made him happy. There isn't anything wrong with that, but even that focus and our words are subtle, in that, life is thought to be good because, "I am happy." And yet what Paul is showing us here in these verses is the focus of our lives is not on ourselves, but on others. Even in Romans 12, verse 1 and 2, that began this treatise on living righteousness, our focus is presenting our bodies living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God. It is about renewing my mind. 12:3 says, "not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think" and in verse 10, "be devoted to one another in brotherly love." 

This is a hard message because I am a selfish creature. I tend to do things in life that are best for me. 

Tearing down the work of God
And so, now in verse 20, Paul repeats an idea that he mentioned in verse 17. He says, "do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food." In verse 17 it was, "the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking." Don't nullify God working in a persons life because of the food he is eating or not eating. 

I was talking to a friend last night, sharing a book I was reading, and in that book, it mentions speaking in tongues. In Christianity today there are people that believe that gift is still relevant and those that believe it is not a gift that is still in practice today. There are differences. I think what Paul is saying here is don't make those issues larger than life. We can have those differences but don't divide with your brother because of them. I need to make sure my brother believes in the complete substitution of Christ for man by dying and being resurrected, imputing His righteousness to man, believing that one is saved by grace, not works and it is Christ that is working through us to sanctify us. Those are foundational, so why are we dividing then over an issue of speaking in tongues? I think that is what this verse may be saying that I do not want to "tear down the work of God" over food or over tongues. 

It is true that all things (food) is unclean. But or however, they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. My friend said something interesting last night. He said that people have a thirst to be right. That is true. But, we must be careful that in that thirst we are not hurting the faith of another. 

Do not do anything to make your brother to stumble
In order to not tear down the work of God in a person's life, we therefore do not do anything to make our brother stumble. It is like I think we need to agree that before we discuss an issue of disagreement that there is agreement that we are not going to divide over this issue. Can we agree that we can discuss and have differences and still be brother and sister in Christ? 

The problem people often have is taking indifferent matters and making it the standard for all people.

Promise: Respect people's difference. Don't make them bigger than they are. Focus not on the difference, but Christ working in the person's life.