Principles that Govern Christian Liberty

I Corinthians 10:23–33
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A prayer before the U.S. Senate. “Lord Jesus, thou who art the way, the truth, and the life; hear us as we pray for the truth that shall make all free. Teach us that liberty is not only to be loved but also to be lived. Liberty is too precious a thing to be buried in books. … More

Christian Liberty

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.

I Corinthians 10:23-33 (English Standard Version)

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