How should believers discern personal guidance versus commands in their spiritual walk? Setting the Context • 1 Corinthians 7:6: “I say this as a concession, not as a command.” • Paul is discussing marriage and singleness. Here he clearly distinguishes between what the Lord has commanded and what he, as an apostle, is offering as Spirit-guided counsel. • Both the concession and the command are preserved in inspired Scripture, yet their weight in binding the conscience differs. Observing the Text • “Command” (entolē) carries the sense of an authoritative directive from God that applies to all believers in every generation. • “Concession” (syngnōmē) indicates permitted freedom in a particular situation, guided by wisdom, without imposing a universal rule. • In the same chapter Paul alternates: – Verse 10: “To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord)…” – Verse 12: “To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord)…” – Verse 25: “Concerning virgins… I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.” • The inspired text itself models transparency in distinguishing categories of guidance. Principles for Discerning Personal Guidance • Identify explicit imperatives: commands are often stated with verbs such as “flee,” “honor,” “submit,” “do not.” • Note apostolic disclaimers: when the writer marks counsel as personal judgment, it remains wise but not universally binding. • Look for repetition across Scripture: moral absolutes appear consistently (e.g., Exodus 20; Romans 13). One-off concessions rarely do. • Weigh the context: some instructions address unique cultural or situational concerns (e.g., Acts 15 dietary recommendations). • Allow Scripture to interpret Scripture: unclear verses yield to clear ones, protecting against legalism or license. Bringing in the Whole Counsel of God • Romans 14:5 - “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” Conscience governs disputable matters. • Colossians 2:16 - “Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival.” Freedom in non-command areas. • 2 Corinthians 8:8 - “I am not making a command, but testing the sincerity of your love.” Generosity flows from willing hearts, not compulsion. • James 4:17 - “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” Personal conviction becomes obligation once clearly revealed. Practical Steps for Today 1. Read the passage in its immediate and broader context, noting any markers of command or concession. 2. Compare with parallel texts to see whether the teaching is echoed elsewhere as a universal principle. 3. Pray for illumination by the Holy Spirit, trusting His promise to guide into all truth (John 16:13). 4. Consult mature believers and historic Christian teaching; godly counsel helps discern between personal leading and binding truth. 5. Respect individual conscience on disputable matters while upholding clear commands without compromise. 6. Walk in humble liberty, ready to adjust if further study or conviction clarifies that a preference was actually a command. Summary: Walking in Freedom and Obedience Believers honor the Lord by submitting wholeheartedly to His explicit commands while embracing Spirit-directed freedom where Scripture grants concession. Distinguishing the two guards against both legalism and careless license, enabling a walk marked by joyful obedience, wisdom, and grace. |
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