The True Test of Christian Liberty!

Introduction

The overall question that stands before us this morning is this. To what extent can a believer participate in activities of this world? I purposefully did not use the term “sinful activities” Many times, we associate the world’s activities as sinful, and, in many cases, rightfully so. We, as believers, should always seek to avoid sin. However, not everything in this world is necessarily sinful. In fact, if you recall our study of 1 Corinthians 8, you will remember the issue surrounding meat unto idols. In fact, it was this issue that ignited the teachings of chapters 8, 9, and 10. At the heart of the problems was simply this. Should a believer eat meat that was sacrificed to idols? Sacrifices involved the killing and offering of animals. In most of the sacrifices, the animal’s meat was divided into three portions. The priest burnt one part for the sacrifice. Another piece was given to the priest as payment for his services. The last portion went back to the person offering the sacrifice for them to eat or sell. In many pagan cities and towns, the leftover meat was often placed on the open market and was much cheaper than premium cuts of meat. Meat offered to idols then was a bargain. For families suffering financially, this meat was most likely the only meat they could afford. However, for some believers, this was also a big problem. Their argument was that it was meat offered to a false god and, thus, it was spiritually tainted and not to be eaten. Now, in the end, meat is meat. There is no difference in the meat offered unto idols versus meat that is not. So, in this case, was it sinful to purchase meat offered unto idols so that a believer might feed his family?1 Corinthians 8 gives us the long answer. However, for a simple version, the answer is no. However, God does require that we be considerate of others.

From there, the Holy Spirit uses Paul’s testimony as an example to others in chapter 9. He then warns us in chapter 10 about temptations and their dangers to our spiritual health. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, the Holy Spirit explains God’s view concerning temptations in a believer’s life. And then, as we learned the past two weeks, idolatry is a perilous temptation for all believers. His simple command to us, when faced with its temptation, is to “flee.”

Now, as we come to the last section of chapter 10, the Holy Spirit directs our attention to the primary objective of every believer’s daily life. As He does, we find ourselves faced with the question I asked at the beginning.

How far and to what extent can we as believers be involved in activities of this world? Is it okay to eat meat offered to idols? Is it okay to attend a sporting event? Should I, as a believer, do this or do that? I will let you fill in the blank.

Now, here is one other thing to consider. Many in the local church of Corinth used their spiritual liberty as a basis for their involvement in worldly and sinful activities. The argument essentially went like this. Since we are free from the bondage of sin through our faith in Christ, I am now at liberty to do whatever I want, for I know that even if it is sinful, God will forgive me. Now, there are several fallacies with that argument. Fallacies are pointed out by God in these chapters we are studying. What is interesting to me is the fact that this argument still exists. Many believers have used this same argument throughout my ministry to justify fulfilling sinful lusts instead of simply obeying Christ. So, it is an argument that continues until this day. That is the reason for this section we are about to examine today.

What then is God’s response to the question at hand?

How far and to what extent can we as believers be involved in the activities of this world? In other words, what am I free to do and not to do?

Before I get into this, I need to remind you of this one thing. We just finished two messages on idolatry. Last week’s message from verses 16-22 is summarized by this one statement.

Who you hang with and what you do identifies who or what you truly worship!

The Holy Spirit gave two examples. Believers who participate in the Lord’s table identify as true believers as they worship and remember the Lord’s death with other believers. The second example involved Israel. The Jewish person who followed the command of the law, especially in the area of sacrifices, identified as a worshipper of God. Thus, what you do and who you spend your time with genuinely determines who or what you worship. This then is the basis of the next section, which reads [page 683 in the Pew Bible]-

1 Corinthians 10:23–28 KJV 1900

23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth. 25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26 For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. 27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:

May I submit to you these verses which list-

Five Tests to Determine Your Involvement with the World

Verse 23 opens this section with a compelling statement. There are two essential things to consider here. The first is the statement, “all things are lawful for me.” The word “lawful” simply means permitted. In a sense, you are allowed to do anything and go anywhere. It is well within your power to eat, drink, or do anything you wish. Humanly speaking and within reason, no one can stop you from enjoying anything you so desire.

However, note for the believer that there are limitations. Yes, you are permitted to do anything you so desire. Yet, not everything is “expedient” and does not “edify.” These two words give us the first test.

How do I know if this activity is permissible for me as a believer in Christ?

Test #1 - Is it EXPEDIENT and EDIFYING for My Spiritual Wellness?

The word “expedient” means to bring together and is often used when referencing something advantageous, beneficial, or profitable. In other words, is this activity something that will benefit my relationship with Christ? Does it harm me spiritually? Obviously, many things do. For instance, we just covered an entire section about idolatry. Participating in sacrifices to false pagan gods does not benefit your spiritual relationship with God. It is just not expedient.

However, we must also ask if it is “edifying.” The word “edify” means to build a house. However, the idea is to create a substantial home. It is not just throwing a few boards with a roof over them. Instead, it has the idea of building a house with a solid foundation that is wind and waterproof that looks good. As such, we, as believers, build our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Each day we work on this project adding all the spiritual materials necessary so that we may be able to withstand the storms of life. The only way we can build or “edify” our lives is with our obedience to the Word of God.

Matthew 7:24–25 KJV 1900

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

With that in mind, this first test not only answers if what I am about to do is beneficial to my relationship with God but does it also help me live in obedience to God’s Word. If you are about to violate any part of God’s Word, it is wrong and sinful. Our job is to flee from it. Don’t do it.

Test #2 - Is it HARMING Another Person’s Physical or Spiritual Wellness?

Look at verse 24 of our text.

1 Corinthians 10:24 KJV 1900

24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

Whether we accept it or not, one of God’s directives is to love others even as we love ourselves.

Mark 12:31 KJV 1900

31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Romans 15:1–2 KJV 1900

1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

Galatians 5:14 KJV 1900

14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Thus, we must be careful that we do not do things that would cause any harm to someone else. Our minds must be set on seeking “another’s wealth” or, may I put it this way, “another’s welfare or wellness.” Don’t do it if it harms or brings them down spiritually.

EXAMPLE: Gossip. I will use this as an example since we are all quite familiar with how it works. Gossip often begins harmless enough. We get together with a friend and talk about the weather and politics, and, without a doubt, we end up talking about family members, friends, fellow church members, etc. In too many cases, we like to share negative news. Isn’t it interesting how we gravitate to what is negative and not to what is positive? It shows our true nature. News agencies make a living sharing negative stuff. However, I digress. Let me get back to the example.

Gossip seeks to destroy a person. Talking negatively about another person is not about seeking their welfare. It is about pleasing ourselves. It is a pride issue. Gossip makes us better than the person we are talking about. It is okay to chat with friends? Without a doubt, there is nothing wrong with talking to friends. We can laugh and share many things. However, the moment we speak ill of another person in that conversation, we have moved crossed the boundary. Speaking ill of someone else is not expedient or edifying to you, the person to whom you are speaking, or the person who is the subject of the conversation. In fact, in those moments, you are not seeking their welfare. Instead, you are simply seeking your own.

Okay, so far, we have two tests. However, there is more.

Test #1 - Is it EXPEDIENT and EDIFYING for my spiritual wellness?

Test #2 - Is it HARMING another person’s physical or spiritual wellness?

The next test is found in verses 25-26.

Test #3 - Is it VIOLATING My CONSCIENCE?

1 Corinthians 10:25–26 KJV 1900

25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26 For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.

These verses take us back to the debate of chapter 8 once again. Remember, it was over eating the meat of animal sacrifices made o pagan idols. As you recall, some believers were bothered by purchasing and eating sacrificed meat. The Holy Spirit simply says, “Whatever sold in the shambles [the meat market], that eat, asking no question for conscience sake.” In other words, if you want to buy and eat it, do so and don’t be bothered by it. It is meat. It has no spiritual or intrinsic value even though it was offered unto a false god. What is a false god anyway? It is nothing. Thus, there is nothing to question or worry over. God created animals, vegetables, and fruit for our consumption. Go buy yourself a steak, grill it, and enjoy it. In fact, we, as a church, at our picnic, threw some hamburgers and hot dogs on the grills yesterday. Guess what, I ate and enjoyed it.

However, there are some things that, when we do, we feel guilty about them. Guilt is a good thing. The Holy Spirit uses guilt to awaken our souls to possible violations of His Word. To ignore guilt is wrong. If you are feeling guilty, then there is a strong possibility you are sinning. My advice would be to stop what you are doing, seek the counsel of God’s Word, and determine if your actions are indeed a sin against God. If you ignore it and continue, you place yourself in a place where spiritual growth stops and God is no longer blessing you. We must never do anything that violates our own conscience. The Holy Spirit uses that area of our life as a tool to warn us.

Romans 8:12–17 KJV 1900

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Later in Romans, the Holy Spirit moves Paul to write:

Romans 9:1–2 KJV 1900

1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.

I give you those verses as proof that the Holy Spirit does indeed use our conscience as a tool. Our spirit is to bear witness with God’s Spirit. Paul noted how his conscience bore witness with the Spirit as he was burdened for his countrymen. In the same way, the Holy Spirit uses our conscience to witness things that please Him and those that do not. If your conscience is troubled about what you are doing, stop doing it. Otherwise, if it meets the criteria of the other tests, then, by all means, do it.

Test #4 is next.

Test #4 - Is it COURTEOUS or KIND to Other People?

1 Corinthians 10:27 KJV 1900

27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

Here we have an efficient example put before us. Suppose that your unbelieving co-workers invite you to dinner after work. They “bid you to a feast.” And, you are of a mind to accept their invitation and go. Which, by the way, is an excellent opportunity for you to share the gospel with them. [It was something even Christ did.]

Matthew 9:10 KJV 1900

10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

Go and eat. Enjoy what is put before you. Again, it is a matter of conscience. There is much you can enjoy and do it with a free conscience.

What if they engage in drinking and eating things that are a violation of Scripture? Again, let your conscience be your guide. Remember the Holy Spirit utilizes the believer’s conscience as an indicator of what is right and wrong according to Scripture.

We know from God’s Word that we, as believers, are not to consume alcoholic beverages.

Numbers 6:3 KJV 1900

3 He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.

Proverbs 20:1 KJV 1900

1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: And whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Ephesians 5:18 KJV 1900

18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

There is no doubt that these things will make you uncomfortable. The Holy Spirit will prick your conscience. You simply decline their invitation to engage in such activities as He does.

For instance, if you know the invitation from your co-workers is to go to a local bar to enjoy cocktail hour, you should courteously decline their invitation. However, depending on your inclination, you can accept their invitation and eat with them if the invitation is to go have dinner at a nice restaurant. It is purely a matter of conscience. However, no matter your decision, be courteous and be kind.

Let me reiterate two essential things. No believer should participate in any activity that would violate his conscience or would identify him as loving the world more than God. This last statement hearkens back to the warning about idolatry.

Here is the last test.

Test #5 - Is it OFFENSIVE to Another Person?

1 Corinthians 10:28 KJV 1900

28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:

Here are some cases in which what we are about to do may cause others to be offended. As a case in point, a fellow believer is offended by another who chooses to eat meat offered unto idols. This fellow believer firmly believes that such meat represents a life of idolatry. Thus, for them, it is a betrayal of their loyalty and obedience to Christ. Indeed, we can see that and understand how important that is to them. Therefore, we must set our opinions and desires aside for their sake. We must not do anything that would offend or cause another believer to stumble. Yes, we are free and clear to eat this meat in our conscience. Yet, we are to act for the sake of others. We are not to do things that would offend them - no matter how lawful or legitimate and acceptable it may be.

Romans 14:13–17 KJV 1900

13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Romans 14:21 KJV 1900

21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

Our attitude must be the same as 1 Corinthians 9:22 when Paul noted:

1 Corinthians 9:22 KJV 1900

22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Conclusion

How far and to what extent can I, as a believer, be involved in the activities of this world? If they meet the five tests in our text today, by all means, do it. What are the five tests?

Test #1 - Is it EXPEDIENT and EDIFYING for My Spiritual Wellness? If so, move to the next test.

Test #2 - Is it HARMING Another Person’s Physical and Spiritual Wellness? If not, move to the next test.

Test #3 - Is it VIOLATING My Conscience? If not, move to the next test.

Test #4 - Is it COURTEOUS or KIND to Other People? If so, move to the last and final test.

Test #5 - Is it OFFENSIVE to Another Person? If no, then you are okay and have passed the tests of Scripture.

However, if you are about to fail any of these tests, don’t do it. It is simple.

Now, one last thought, and we are done. The Holy Spirit spoke much about the conscience. The conscience (a person’s mind) is a tool He utilizes in a believer’s life. The lack of conscience or guilt is like a big flashing warning flag. Having no conscience, guilt, or remorse over sin indicates either of these things.

First, it indicates that you do not have the Holy Spirit within you. There is only one reason for that. It means you have not indeed placed your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. It means that you have not willfully acknowledged your sin and have not truly repented. If that is the case, I urge you to do so. To say you are a believer and to know that you have not personally and totally accepted Christ as your personal Savior is to live a lie. Living such a lie condemns you to an eternity in Hell separated from God. I ask you to be honest with yourself this morning. Accept all that He has done for you. Repent and turn to Him. Believe Him with all your heart, soul, and mind. If you will, He will change you, place His Spirit in you, and help you grow each day spiritually.

However, there is a second possibility. You may be genuinely saved. There was a moment in your life when you fully believed and accepted Christ as your personal Savior. However, over time, you allowed the allurements of this world to appeal to your selfish desires. You gave into those desires. They led you away from God. Yes, you felt God’s Spirit working in your conscience, leading you back to Him. Unfortunately, you did heed the guilt and the warnings from Him. Instead, you hardened your heart. You put yourself first instead of Him. The Holy Spirit’s warnings within your heart and your conscience are relegated to a simple whisper. It’s still there, but only a faint urging. May I warn you? If you don’t turn your heart back to Him by listening and surrendering your will to His, you are in great spiritual danger. What is that danger? It is having your conscience seared with a hot iron. It is the danger of falling out of harmony with God, His Word, His Spirit and His purpose for your life. A path that ultimately leads to God’s chastening and, eventually, if you are unresponsive to a shortened life here on earth. I implore you to not let it get that far. Instead, repent of your sin. Confess everything to God. He has promised to forgive you and cleanse you.