Romans 14:18 kjv
For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Romans 14:18 nkjv
For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Romans 14:18 niv
because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
Romans 14:18 esv
Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Romans 14:18 nlt
If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.
Romans 14 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 12:1 | Present your bodies a living sacrifice | Duty of believers |
| Rom 15:1 | We who are strong ought to bear with | Bearing with the weak |
| 1 Cor 6:20 | You were bought at a price; therefore | Glorify God with your body |
| 1 Cor 10:31 | So whether you eat or drink, or | Doing all for the glory of God |
| Gal 1:10 | Am I now trying to win the approval of | Seeking approval from God |
| Eph 5:10 | finding out what pleases the Lord | Pleasing God |
| Phil 4:18 | But I have received everything in full | Contentment and sacrifice |
| Col 1:10 | live a life worthy of the Lord and | Walking worthy of the Lord |
| Heb 12:28 | Therefore, since we receive a kingdom | Kingdom of God, service |
| 1 Pet 2:5 | you also, like living stones, are | Spiritual house, holy priesthood |
| 1 Pet 4:11 | If anyone speaks, they should do so | Ministering by God's power |
| Matt 6:33 | But seek first his kingdom and his | Kingdom and righteousness |
| Matt 18:3 | and said, "Truly I tell you, unless | Becoming like children |
| Luke 12:32 | "Do not be afraid, little flock, for | Kingdom given to the faithful |
| John 12:26 | Whoever serves me must follow me | Following Christ, serving |
| Acts 10:35 | but accepts from every nation the | God shows no favoritism |
| Phil 2:13 | for it is God who works in you both | God's work in believers |
| Titus 2:7 | in your teaching show integrity and | Sound doctrine, integrity |
| 1 Thes 4:1 | Finally, then, brothers, we | Encouragement to live pleasingly |
| Deut 30:19 | choose life, so that you and your | Choose life, blessing |
| Psa 145:17 | The Lord is righteous in all his | God's righteousness |
| Prov 3:9 | Honor the Lord with your possessions | Honoring God with resources |
| Isa 42:21 | The Lord delights to uphold him | God delights in his righteousness |
| Jer 12:16 | If they will learn to follow my | Following God's ways |
Romans 14 verses
Romans 14 18 Meaning
For by serving Christ in this way, one becomes pleasing to God and is approved by others.
Romans 14 18 Context
This verse is part of the larger discussion in Romans 14-15 concerning disputable matters, specifically food and drink and days. Paul addresses the importance of not causing a fellow believer to stumble due to differing practices on these non-essential issues. The context emphasizes building up one another in love and peace within the body of Christ. Verse 18 serves as a concluding statement for this section, reinforcing the positive outcome of living according to godly principles, even amidst differences. The overarching theme is mutual edification and bringing glory to God.
Romans 14 18 Word Analysis
- For: (Greek: gar) - A conjunction introducing a reason or explanation. It links the preceding statement about seeking what is pleasing to others and is for building them up with the ultimate reason why such actions are important.
- by serving: (Greek: douleuō) - This word means to serve, to be a slave to, to minister. In the context of Christ, it refers to dedicating oneself to His service, fulfilling His commands, and working for His purposes.
- Christ: (Greek: Christos) - The Messiah, the Anointed One, Jesus. The focus is on service rendered to and in union with Christ.
- in this way: (Greek: houtōs) - In this manner, thus, so. It refers back to the principles discussed in the chapter: seeking peace, building up, not causing offense, and living righteously.
- one becomes pleasing: (Greek: areskei) - To please, to be agreeable, to satisfy. It indicates that actions taken in the right spirit are well-pleasing to God.
- to God: (Greek: Theō) - God. The ultimate recipient of pleasing service.
- and is approved: (Greek: dokimos) - Tested and found genuine, worthy, approved, valuable. It implies that such conduct is not only accepted but also commended by God. It's a state of being validated or accepted.
Word Group Analysis
- "by serving Christ in this way": This phrase encapsulates the essence of Christian conduct. It is not about arbitrary actions but about service performed within the framework of one's relationship with Christ and guided by His principles of love and edification. This "way" refers to the manner of life discussed in Romans 12-14, which is marked by humility, consideration for others, and reliance on the Spirit.
Romans 14 18 Bonus Section
The Greek word areskei (to please) is used in relation to pleasing God in several New Testament passages, such as Colossians 1:10 and 1 Thessalonians 4:1. The concept of being dokimos (approved, genuine) speaks to the testing and refining that believers undergo, which ultimately leads to a character that God esteems. This verse underscores that outward acts of service or observance of practices are secondary to the inward disposition of the heart motivated by love for God and love for neighbor. It emphasizes a holistic approach to faith where worship extends into everyday life and relationships.
Romans 14 18 Commentary
The verse highlights the twofold benefit of a life dedicated to serving Christ according to His will and considering the well-being of others. Firstly, such service is intrinsically pleasing to God. This aligns with Old Testament commands to honor God and New Testament teachings about offering our lives as living sacrifices. When believers live in a manner that honors Christ, focusing on His kingdom and righteousness, and bearing with their weaker brethren, they are acting in a way that God approves. Secondly, this conduct gains the approval of fellow believers. In the context of Romans 14, this means navigating differing practices on secondary issues with grace, so that peace and unity are maintained within the church, and all members feel valued and respected.
- Practical Application: A believer who eats or refrains from eating certain foods, or observes or does not observe certain days, for the glory of God and out of love for weaker brothers, finds that such actions please God and build up the church.