“Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us which was contrary to us, And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:14)

Living the proper Christian lifestyle is often a hot topic of debate. Believers can have the propensity, in the pursuit of the most blameless life, to judge what fellow believers are doing. But God’s Word puts this condition into perfect perspective for those who relentlessly seek His Counsel through the Holy Scriptures, to help ease these sorts of concerns, by studying the Epistles, in particular. The following verses make it clear; what we do, not being the main focus, but why, and the effect it what we do has over us and others around us.

Back in the Bible days, the hottest debate was apparently eating foods that had been offered to idols, but this is our example in all things we do:

“Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—“Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concerns things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.” (Colossians 2:20-23)

Paul is saying that what’s right for one is not necessarily right for another. Hence, arguments and debates do not help, and could even result in some indulging even more, as in rebellious disputes.

Moreover, the case for motive is even more highlighted in this next verse:

“To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.” (Titus 1:15)

Another point Paul is making in the above verse, is that Christians are controlled by God’s imputed Spirit and thereby are not led by insufficient self-control, but by what is beneficial personally and individually:

"Conscience,"I say, not your own, but that of another. For why is my liberty judged by another man's conscience?" (1Corinthians 10:29)

“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (1Corinthians 6:12)

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.” (1Corinthians 10:23-24)

“Therefore, let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way."I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. (Romans 14:13-14)

“Do you have faith? have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:22-23)

“Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money.” (1Timothy 3:8)

“No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and our frequent infirmities.” (1Timothy 5:23)

Through these verses in 1Timothy, Paul is instructing the young man in the ministry. It’s poignant to note that he doesn’t tell him that drinking wine is unacceptable, but that in the right degree and approach (not for getting drunk) may be beneficial. This precept is quite noteworthy for this study.

And in conclusion, we who love God live by Him and for Him. We live in liberty, because inasmuch as we allow ourselves to be molded and conformed to HIM; we are new creatures (2Corinthians 5:17) who live for Him, hence we do not pursue the various lusts of the flesh, as we once did before we were saved. In a sense, we have proven ourselves trustworthy before God…….Still, Paul is careful to speak with warning. He makes it clear that with this trust comes responsibility:

“Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8)

“For you brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)

“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24)

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

*****All of Galatians addresses the subject of liberty/freedom in Christ.

NKJV

Linzy is a certified Bible Counsellor, with countless republications on her viewers blogs, Bible Studies, Ezines and the like. Her portfolio includes, non-fiction articles, short stories for all ages, and Christian poetry.