The Lord Jesus Christ has given us true liberty. In Christ we have been
freed from sin, Satan, and the law. In him we are free from all religious
traditions, customs, and superstitions. And in Christ we are free to use every
creature of God for food, happiness, comfort, and satisfaction. We cherish this
liberty. Neither the church nor those who preach the gospel have any authority
to bring God's people under bondage again, by making their own rules, dogmas,
and covenants for christian conduct. Without the least desire to bring you into
any bondage, I offer these suggestions, with the prayer that they may help you
to honor the Lord in the exercise of your liberty in Christ.
1. Do Not Make The Use Or Nonuse Of Indifferent Things A Point Of Merit
Before God. Indifferent things become idolatrous when you make the use or
nonuse of them a means of obtaining favor with God, a means of religious
devotion, or a means of obtaining a peaceful conscience.
2. Use All Things In Moderation. The believer's
principle of conduct is not total abstinence, but temperance, moderation, and
self-control. Eating is not wrong; but gluttony is. A glass of wine is not
wrong, (Our Lord did provide the wine for the marriage feast at Cana.); but
drunkenness is wrong. Entertainment is not wrong; but reveling is. Our
principle is, "Use all things wisely, abusing none."
3. Carefully Avoid Offending Your Brother. I do not mean that you must submit to the self-righteous notions of men. But we must not be the cause of a brother acting contrary to his own conscience. This is what Paul means by offending the brethren. We must avoid it at all costs. My brother's conscience is more important than my personal desires.
4. Make Your Use Of All Things
Subservient To The Glory Of God, The Gospel Of Christ, And The Welfare Of The
Church. In all things, make your love for Christ and his people the basis of
your actions. Use your liberty in Christ for the honor of Christ, and you will
not go far astray. We must avoid both licentiousness and legalism. Both are
dreadful evils. God's people are called into