There’s been a lot of discussion regarding our freedoms in Christ. And, we are free. We are redeemed “by grace through faith, not of works.” (Eph. 2:8-9) And, Christ himself referenced the rules of the religious leaders of his day that had become such a burden that no one could live up to their standards. He, in fact, fulfilled the law so that we would not be subjected to the law as a means of redemption. Furthermore, Paul cautioned us regarding “passing judgment on one another.” (Romans 14:13) Yet, our freedom is not a license for abuse. He asked us to “make up [our] mind not to put any … obstacle in [the way of others].”
Throughout his letters, Paul asks us to follow his example. Let’s look at one instance where he sets an example for us. In Acts 15, Paul had just fought the battle with the church in Jerusalem to free the Gentiles from the rule of circumcision. The church leaders referencing Peter’s vision preceding his visit to Cornelius (Acts 10-11) agreed with Paul’s argument. Yet, when Timothy joined Paul on his missionary travels, Paul had him circumcised (Acts 16:1-5). Why? In verse 3, scripture tells us it was “because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.” Paul knew that despite the ruling of the church leaders which provided freedom for Gentiles from circumcision, many of the Jews would still struggle with the “requirement.” Timothy, giving up his freedom, in this case would have more credibility and have doors opened that would otherwise be shut. What was the outcome? In verse 5, we see that many were “strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.”
We are free in Christ. But, when we choose the “most excellent way” in love (1Cor. 12:31), we are willing to give up, put on hold, forego, our freedom in order to reach others for Christ. I leave you with Paul’s words in 1Corinthians 9. He begins the chapter with these words, “Am I not free?” After describing his freedom, he adds these words, “But I have not used any of these rights.” Then he gives his reason – what drives him is that he is mindful of mankind (v. 19-23):
Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
What will you do for the sake of the gospel?
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