Stand Fast in Christian Liberty July 29, 2018 San Angelo, TX

What is meant by the phrase “Christian Liberty”? Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. What is meant by the phrase “Christian Liberty”?

Questions to Consider What are matters of liberty? What was said to strengthen the faith of the church in Acts 16? Is baptism a matter of liberty? Are strong Christians more faithful than weak Christians? Did Paul celebrate the Feasts of the Lord post-conversion? What about “In matters of faith, unity. In matters of opinion, liberty. In all things, charity” What does liberty have in common with covetousness?

Liberty Q: What are matters of liberty? From George Battey – Bible Talk Q: What are matters of liberty? A: Matters of liberty are things which Christians are permitted to do, but are not required to do.

Biblical Examples of Liberty Whether or not to eat meat (Romans 14:2-6) Whether or not to observe a holy day (Romans 14:5-6)

Romans 14:2-3  For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.

Romans 14:5-6 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.

Biblical Examples of Liberty Whether or not to eat meat (Romans 14:2-6) Whether or not to observe a holy day (Romans 14:5-6) Chapters devoted to Christian Liberty: Romans 14 1 Corinthians 8, 9, 10

Is Everything a Matter of Liberty? No! In fact the Bible teaches us that there are commands for Christians to follow. (Acts 16:4-5) And as they [Paul, Timothy, Silas] went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Baptism Q: Is baptism a matter of liberty? A: No, it is commanded in the Scriptures and therefore does not fall under the heading of liberty.

Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Mark 16:15-16 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.  Therefore, the teachings of Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8, 9, and 10 do not apply to baptism since it is a command and not a liberty.

Strong and Weak Christians (Romans 15:1) We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. From George Battey – Bible Talk Weak – Have an overly sensitive conscience Strong – Does not have an overly scrupulous conscience

Strong vs Weak Q: Are strong Christians more reliable than weak Christians? A: Not necessarily! Their conscience is just not as sensitive on certain permissible matters.

Romans 14:14-15 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. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.

Should we observe the Feasts of the Lord? (Colossians 2:16-17) So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.

Did Paul observe the Feasts of the Lord? (Acts 18: 20-21) When they asked him to stay a longer time with them [in Ephesus], he did not consent, 21 but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.” It appears that he did, but that was a liberty on his part and not a command.

1st Century Liberty Involved Past Religious Experiences The early Church was made up of converts first from the Jews and later from the Gentiles. Some of these converts were able to completely let go of all scruples about their former religion. Some of these converts were not able to completely let go of all scruples about their former religion.

What if a convert refused to let go of their old religion? (Romans 16:17-18) Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

Pros and Cons of Liberty PRO: Liberty allowed new converts time to assimilate into the new religion of Christianity, whether Jew or Greek CON: Some tried to use liberty as a “Get out of Jail Free” card and a license to sin

Pros and Cons of No Liberty PRO: Doctrine would be the emphasis of the Christian religion CON: Weak converts would be swept back to their previous religions by aggressive zealots

Name Two Ways to Create Unity TOLERANCE RESTORED DOCTRINE

TOLERANCE Unfortunately, tolerance has been the choice of most religious organizations to achieve unity. Restoration Movement slogan: “In matters of faith, unity. In matters of opinion, liberty. In all things, charity” This sounds good, but be careful. Many have tried to find the bare minimum of “matters of faith” to include as many as possible.

RESTORED DOCTRINE The safest way to achieve unity is to restore the doctrine as was taught in the 1st Century. If we all believe and follow the same doctrine, we will have unity. Which statement do you agree with: New Testament produced the Church Church produced the New Testament

1 Corinthians 8:9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.  The word “beware” means to be on one’s guard, and is also used in reference to: Covetousness Hypocrisy Man’s Philosophy False Teachers

CONCLUSION The rules of liberty only apply to matters which God has granted as permissions We are not free to include matters of law in the teachings of liberty Strong and weak Christians are defined by the sensitivity of their conscience The early church took in converts with different religious backgrounds, and this caused the necessity for liberty. We should be VERY careful when proclaiming liberty!