JULY 20 READING…1 CORINTHIANS 10
Our liberty in Christ was not given to us so that we can live in sin. We are NEVER a liberty to sin. We have been set free by Jesus, not free to sin…but free from sin. Sin always brings bondage. Sin always brings consequences and judgment. Paul uses those who were identified with Moses by coming out of Egypt and through the wilderness under God’s grace as an example. They sinned and their bodies were scattered all over the wilderness. They were set free from bondage in Egypt…but their sin brought God’s judgment upon them. Paul warns the church to see this as an example. He warns that we are not to involve ourselves in idolatry, nor are we to commit sexual immorality, nor are we to tempt Christ, nor murmur…for all these things have the consequence of God’s punishment. Israel, and their experiences in the wilderness, especially their disobedience and punishment, are to be examples and warnings to us. We do not have to give into temptation to sin in our liberty…for God has promised a way of escape from every temptation through Jesus Christ.
Paul tells us to use our liberty in Christ to bring glory to God. All that we do ought to point people to Jesus, and not give the unbeliever a reason to blaspheme the Lord. We need to realize that though we might be free to do things…not all things glorify God and therefore are not helpful. It becomes very simple for we followers of Jesus…” Whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, do all to the glory of God”. If our actions do not meet this criterion, then we need to refrain from doing it…even if you have the liberty in yourself to do it. Our actions in this world are to glorify God…and lead others to the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Please share your thoughts from today’s reading.
TOMORROW’S READING…1 CORINTHIANS 11