Our Freedom in Christ Part One - McLean Bible Church

Our Freedom in Christ Part FourCentral Question:When and why should I limit my freedom?What is a “gray area” when it comes to right and wrong?23"Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive.1 Corinthians 10:23! What has this series taught you about grace and its implications on our lives?“Just because we have liberty does not mean that it is good for us.”13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather,serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13! According to this verse, why are we to limit our freedoms? How is this motive different that a “legalistic” mindset?“God makes it clear that loving/serving other people is more important than exercising our Christian liberty.”When and Why Should I Limit My Freedom?Use these filters as a guide to whether or not “gray areas” should be practiced.“Real maturity says, ‘I am capable of limiting my freedom to honor God or to honor the needs of others.’”Filter #1: If I do this, will it harm me physically?19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not yourown; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20! What is the price paid for you as a follower of Christ?! What does it mean to honor God with your body?! Which “gray area” practices could be restricted by this principle?Filter #2: If I do this, will it be helpful to me spiritually?1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that soeasily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1! How can practicing “gray area” activities become hindrances to your spiritual journey?! Why do we do things that don’t enhance our spiritual life?“We need to ask ourselves, ‘Is what I am about to do going to become a weight on my spiritual life?’”

Filter #3: If I do this, will it identify me with wrongdoing?21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-2216Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. Romans 14:16! What right do people have to look into our lives?! How can we authentically show people the good in our lives?“Many dimes we can exercise liberty with a clean heart, but that is only half of the issue. What do others think of my actions?”Filter #4: If I do this, will it damage another brother or sister in Christ?15If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother forwhom Christ died. Romans 14:1520Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someoneelse to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. Romans 14:20-215"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe inme to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.7"Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom theycome! Matthew 18:5-7! How can we damage or distress other believers by the use of our liberty?! How can we make sure that we aren’t causing others to stumble?! How can we help people in their weakness rather than causing them to stumble?“When we find a place of struggle in a brother or sister in Christ, we find a place where we are to limit our freedom”Filter #5: Will I hurt my spiritual platform with unbelievers?5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:519Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 1 Corinthians 9:19! Why do unbelievers care how we live our lives?! What do unbelievers in DC expect to Christians to do or not do?“Reaching people for Christ is more important than my liberty.”! How can we use these filters in our fast-paced world of decision-making?Questions for Personal Reflection:Do I consider the needs of others before my needs as I practice my freedom in Christ?Is there a “gray area” where my actions could be damaging others or myself?Scripture Memory:23"Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive.1 Corinthians 10:23