Principles that Govern Christian Liberty

I Corinthians 10:23–33
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Sometimes its 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 (vv. 23-33):

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).
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)?  We must not live to seek our own benefit, but also the benefit of others, that they might be saved.

Freedom comes from knowledge. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn 8:32). Paul did not want his actions to be governed by what he liked but what was best for those around him (v. 33). It is easy to be insensitive and do what we want, no matter who it hurts or to be oversensitive and do nothing for fear that someone will be displeased. One of Paul’s primary goals was to develop a serving attitude that pleased God and not to do what 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.