Dr. Doug Brown addresses the important topic of Christian liberty, covering three chapters of Scripture to provide an overview of how Christians should handle their rights. He explains that while everyone wants to champion their rights, when this mindset bleeds into the church, it creates division and conflict, just as it did in Corinth.
Scripture Text
1 Corinthians 8-10, Acts 15:29
Main Points or Ideas
Four Principles of Christian Liberty:
- For the sake of knowledge - The party of knowledge at Corinth claimed they had the right to eat meat offered to idols because they knew idols were nothing and there is only one God. While their theology was correct as far as it went, they lacked full knowledge that there is a demonic reality behind idolatry, and not everyone had their understanding.
- For the sake of love - Paul emphasized that knowledge puffs up but love edifies. The knowledgeable party was exercising their rights without caring about the ramifications on weaker believers, essentially destroying them by leading them to defile their consciences. Paul declared he would never eat meat again if it caused his brother to stumble.
- For the sake of the gospel - Paul used his own example of forfeiting his right to receive payment from the Corinthians because it would be a stumbling block. He became all things to all people, adapting to different cultures and circumstances so that he might win some to Christ, demonstrating contextualization in ministry.
- For the glory of God - When Christians champion their own rights, they end up worshiping themselves and falling into idolatry. Paul instructed believers to do everything for God's glory, which means influencing others to have a more accurate view of who God really is.
Conclusion
Christian liberty is not a means of serving ourselves but rather a tool God gives us to build the church, spread the gospel, and glorify God. God wants us to be willing to surrender our rights for the good of others and for His glory.
