Bible Study
Home
Bible Study
Articles
Video Lessons
Video Devotions
Audio Lessons
Podcasts
Topical Scripture Guide
eBooks
The Lord's Church
Salvation
Interactive Lessons
Games & Quizzes
Children's Bible Stories
Bible in a Year
FAQs
 
Reference
Articles
Topical Scripture Guide
eBooks
Geography
 
Links
Links: Audio Bible
Links: Bible Study
Links: eBooks
Links: Geography
Links: Greek
Links: Hebrew
Links: Maps
Links: Youth
 
Visit us on Facebook
Live Chat
Bookmark and Share

Exercise Liberties That Edify
Bible study on discipleship (liberties).

The culmination of the previous six principles from Romans come together in this final principle. Those who are seeking God, understand that they fall short of the glory of God, understand their personal relationship with God (Deity), walk by faith, walk according to the Spirit, and present their bodies a living sacrifice to God must also exercise liberties that edify (build-up).

Paul exemplifies this principle through traditions which were observed by some converted to Christ (eating of meat, observing certain days; Rom. 14:1-6). Paul teaches that we should not judge our brethren concerning matters of liberty (Rom. 14:7-13). The strong brother should bear with the scruples of the weak brother (Rom. 15:1) and not do anything that would cause him to stumble and sin against his conscience (Rom. 14:19-23). Therefore, we should all seek to please our neighbor for his good leading to edification; and we should not seek to please ourselves (Rom. 15:2).

Jesus is our example. He did not do the things which were pleasing to Himself, but the good things resulting in salvation (Rom. 15:3-4). Since Jesus died for my neighbor, I should be willing to set aside my liberties, if necessary, to aid my neighbor in obtaining a heavenly home. And the motivation for doing good towards others, rather than myself, is love (Rom. 13:8-10; 14:15).

Some Corinthians also had a problem concerning meat - eating meat offered to idols (1 Cor. 10:23-11:1). Paul writes concerning the things within the realm of the lawful saying: "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful; all things are lawful for me, but all things do not edify" (1 Cor. 10:23). Here we see that those things which are lawful and a matter of choice (liberty) may not always be helpful nor edify. Therefore, in a sense, they become unlawful in a particular situation. Often times Paul gave up liberties in order to teach Christians and the lost ( 1 Cor. 9:1-23). Sometimes he would work for a living instead of living by the gospel, and other times he would accept financial support from churches (rob other churches) to preach the gospel free of charge. And yet another time Paul circumcised Timothy so that he could be an effective evangelist while among the Jews (Acts 16:3).

Now this is Paul's command concerning liberties: "Give no offence, whether to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Cor. 10:32-11:1).

In closing let me again reiterate that the matters under consideration here are those which are of choice and liberty - not those which are matters of doctrine. Paul is not instructing Christians to become heretics to teach the lost nor to maintain unity. The principle of unity is that each person must seek to edify and strengthen their brethren and fellowman in matters of liberty. Therefore, we must "receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God" (Rom. 15:7).

Now take a moment to introspectively review your behavior: Do you set aside your self-interests to the profit of others? Do you receive others as Christ has received you? Do you love your brethren and your neighbor?