How can we balance freedom in Christ with obedience to God's law? The key text “ To those without the law I became like one without the law — though I am not outside the law of God but under the law of Christ — to win those without the law.” (1 Corinthians 9:21) Freedom in Christ: What It Is • Freedom from the condemning power of the Mosaic code (Romans 8:1–2) • Freedom from sin’s mastery (Romans 6:6–7) • Freedom to serve willingly, not slavishly (Galatians 5:13) God’s Law: Still in Force, Newly Fulfilled • Jesus did not abolish the Law; He fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17) • The moral heart of the Law reflects God’s unchanging character (Psalm 19:7) • Believers are “under the law of Christ” — the Law interpreted and embodied by Jesus (John 13:34; James 2:8) How Paul Models the Balance 1. He flexed on cultural customs to reach people (1 Corinthians 9:19–22). 2. He never flexed on moral absolutes (1 Corinthians 6:9–11). 3. He explained his motive: love for people and obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14). Practical Ways to Walk in Both Liberty and Obedience • Start each day remembering you are “bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20). • Filter choices through love: “Will this build up my neighbor?” (1 Corinthians 10:23–24). • Obey clear commands without negotiation: purity, honesty, generosity (Ephesians 4:25–32). • Hold secondary issues loosely: food, holidays, styles (Romans 14:5–6). • Stay sensitive to the Spirit; He writes the Law on our hearts (Hebrews 10:16). Common Pitfalls to Avoid – Legalism: adding man-made rules and losing joy (Colossians 2:20–23) – License: treating grace as permission to sin (Jude 4; Romans 6:15) – Hypocrisy: preaching law while excusing personal compromise (Matthew 23:3) Why This Balance Matters • Our witness gains credibility; people see freedom seasoned with holiness (1 Peter 2:16). • Our own hearts stay tender, protected from bondage and from rebellion (Psalm 119:32). • Christ is magnified as the One who frees us to truly obey (John 14:15). |
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