Principles that Govern Christian Liberty
March 30, 2020
Commentary
Sometimes it’s hard to know when to defer to the weaker brother. Paul gives a simple rule of thumb to help in making that decision. He states that while we have freedom in Christ, we shouldn’t exercise our freedom at the cost of hurting a Christian brother or sister. Paul lays down the principles which govern Christian liberty:
1.The principle of expedience – We must not judge our actions simply by whether it is lawful but whether it causes a brother to stumble (v. 23). We can never glorify God by causing another Christian to stumble.
2.The principle of edification – If what I do brings me into subjection rather than helping me glorify Christ, then I need to avoid it (v. 23).
3.The principle of conscience – Since there is nothing wrong with eating meat offered to idols, you don’t need to ask questions but just eat it (v. 27). However, if a weaker brother tells you it has been offered to idols and thinks it is wrong, you should not eat it (v. 28).
4.The principle of evangelism – Is my participation going to hinder or help people to come to a saving knowledge of Christ (v. 33)?
Freedom comes from knowledge. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John8:32). However, with freedom comes responsibility, just like driving my car on the road. Paul did not want his actions to be governed by what he liked but by what was best for those around him (v. 33). One of Paul’s primary goals was to develop a serving attitude that pleased God and not that he had the Christian liberty to do whatever he wanted.
Application
I should never live my life by seeing how near to sin I can get without being contaminated, but rather how far I can stay away from it.
1 Corinthians 10:23– 33 (NET)
23 “Everything is lawful,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is lawful,” but not everything builds others up. 24 Do not seek your own good, but the good of the other person. 25 Eat anything that is sold in the marketplace without questions of conscience, 26 for the earth and its abundance are the Lord’s. 27 If an unbeliever invites you to dinner and you want to go, eat whatever is served without asking questions of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This is from a sacrifice,” do not eat, because of the one who told you and because of conscience — 29 I do not mean yours but the other person’s. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I blamed for the food that I give thanks for? 31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 32 Do not give offense to Jews or Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also try to please everyone in all things. I do not seek my own benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved.