Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 6:12
When we consider our freedom in Christ, we must be cautious not to allow our freedom to become a stumbling block to immature Christians, especially not to those who are still lost in their sin. Freedom through Christ is an incredible gift, but that freedom does not give us the right to use it in an ungodly or dishonoring way. As God led Paul to write to the Christians in Corinth, we read in 1 Corinthians 6:12, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” God wants us to understand that many things are acceptable for us, but not all things are beneficial. For instance, we can partake in a glass of wine at times, and biblically, God tells us not ever to get drunk (Ephesians 5:18), but the question we must answer is this: Is it beneficial, not just for me, but for those around me? In America, drinking wine, beer, or liquor is usually tied to having a good time or needing to unwind and relax. But if that’s the case, what are we saying about the Holy Spirit since He is our comforter (Acts 9:31), peace & joy (Romans 14:17, 1 Thessalonians 1:6), hope (Romans 15:13), power (2 Peter 1:21), love (Romans 5:5), and prayer partner/warrior (Romans 8:26–27). Immature Christians and lost people might think that we need more than the Holy Spirit, as if Christ does not meet our every need—again, acceptable but not beneficial.
Challenge & Application
Why does God warn us to be cautious about our freedom in Christ?
Besides drinking alcohol, what else could be a freedom for Christians but a stumbling block to those around us?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!