I’m continually amazed at how relevant and appropriate this passage is to the times we are living in. I find myself wanting to be done with giving up our freedom to gather and I long to be together again. But, studying this passage has given me so much joy that we can choose to not meet together for a time for the benefit of others.
My hope and goal, though is that we gain a long term perspective. This “present distress” we’re living under will pass, but the Truth from this passage remains. Let’s carry the lessons over into the spiritual areas of our lives and deal with our Christian freedoms on a spiritual level.
An outline of this passage could be:
The proper practice of giving up Christian freedoms means to…
- Make it your decision
- Avoid poor theology
- Be sure it’s temporary and situational
- Know your obligations
- Be strategic
We’ll be in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Last time, we covered the first 2 points in verses 19-20, so after a quick review, we’ll move on verses 21-23 and points 3 – 5.
As always, I’m looking forward to being together again and hoping it’s soon. But in the meantime, I’m praying for each of you, especially that you are growing in your walk with the Lord.
Pastor Daniel
I appreciated your example as a Christian counselor in knowing a culture in giving up Christian freedom. An illustration or example helps me understand a Biblical principle so much better. God bless you.