The Limit of Liberty

February 23

Read: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

1 Corinthians 10:23 contains the amazing statement, “all things are lawful for me” along with the qualifier, “but all things are not expedient.” Previously, we looked at 1 Corinthians 6:12 and we considered at length the matters of expedience and edification as limits on our liberty. Although all things are lawful, our own conscience places limits on the things we allow into our lives.

In chapter 10, verse 24, we encounter a second limit on our liberty. The limit this time is not our own conscience, but our brother’s. Paul gives the example of meat offered to idols. If there is a brother present who would be grieved by our eating, then we do not eat. It is not a matter of lawfulness, as all things are lawful. But if my brother would be offended by my liberty, then I must limit myself for his sake. To continue to indulge in behavior offensive to my brother, that would cast a stumbling block in his path, is not liberty but abuse. In fact, it’s even worse than that. 1 Corinthians 8:12 tells us that to cause my brother to stumble by exercising my liberty at his expense is not only a sin against him; it is a sin against Christ.

For a contemporary example of this principle, consider for a moment the use of music in the worship service. For many, contemporary music is tasteful and edifying. The use of snare drums and electric instruments is not a hindrance to their worship; in fact, they are convinced it is highly beneficial. For others, the mere mention of such music borders on blasphemy, and would result in their spirits being extremely grieved were it allowed in the service. According to the first principle above, we have liberty to use any type of music we find edifying in our worship service. The second principle, however, requires that we defer to our brother who would be offended, and that we find music edifying to us all.

Paul summarizes the attitude we must cultivate in 1 Corinthians 10:32-33. “Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, no seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they might be saved.”

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom