How should being "bought at a price" influence our daily decisions? The Cost That Defines Us “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.” (1 Corinthians 7:23) • The “price” is the blood of Jesus. “You know that it was not with perishable things … but with the precious blood of Christ.” (1 Peter 1:18-19) • God’s purchase is complete and non-refundable; we belong to Him entirely. • Ownership changes everything—identity, purpose, and daily priorities. A New Owner, a New Allegiance • No longer self-ruled: “I have been crucified with Christ … Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) • No longer man-ruled: resist any influence that competes with Christ’s lordship—peer pressure, cultural trends, even well-meaning voices. • Daily filter: “Is this decision shaped by Christ or by human expectations?” Practical Decisions Shaped by Redemption 1. Time • Schedule the day around what honors Christ, not just what advances career or comfort. • Sabbath rest and worship receive priority because the One who bought us asks for devoted time. 2. Money • Budget reflects His ownership—generosity, ethical earning, avoiding debt-driven slavery. • “Honor the LORD with your wealth.” (Proverbs 3:9) 3. Body • Health choices, sexual purity, and entertainment are forms of stewardship. • “You were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:20) 4. Speech • Words become instruments of grace, not gossip or coarse joking. • “Let your speech always be gracious.” (Colossians 4:6) 5. Relationships • Forgive quickly—our Owner forgave at great cost. • Choose friends and partners who respect Christ’s authority over us. Avoiding the Subtle Slavery of People-Pleasing • “Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God?” (Galatians 1:10) • Saying no to ungodly requests is not rebellion; it is fidelity to our Redeemer. • Career advancements, social media images, even ministry roles must bow to Christ’s call, not public applause. Stewardship of Gifts and Calling • Talents, opportunities, and spiritual gifts are tools placed in redeemed hands. • “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” (Ephesians 2:10) • Each decision about service—where, how, how long—flows from the Owner’s agenda. Freedom Expressed Through Holiness • True liberty is freedom from sin’s dominion, not freedom to indulge. • Titus 2:14: Jesus “gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people.” • Holiness is not legalism; it is the natural lifestyle of purchased people. Living Out the Purchase in Community • The church is a gathering of co-owned brothers and sisters; decisions consider the body’s health, not just individual preference. • “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) Keeping the Price Tag in View • Refresh the heart daily with the gospel: “looking to Jesus … who for the joy set before Him endured the cross.” (Hebrews 12:2) • Gratitude fuels obedience. When we remember the payment, surrender feels like worship, not loss. |
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