1 Corinthians 9:20
When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to
Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that
law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to
Christ those who are under the law.
Acts 16:3 Paul
wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the
Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
Acts 21: 22- 24 …"What,
then, is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come."Therefore
do this that we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow;take them and
purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave
their heads; and all will know that there is nothing to the things which they
have been told about you, but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the
Law.
Galatians
2:19 "For
through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.
Romans 11:14 in
the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them.
by Charles R. Swindoll
I want to focus our attention today on the concluding verses
in Romans 14. Read verse 19 slowly and thoughtfully. "So then let us
pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one
another." On the basis of that great statement, consider the first of four
action steps.
1. Concentrate on things that encourage peace and
assist others' growth. An idea that works for me is to filter whatever I do
through a twofold "grid"—two questions that keep me focused: (a) Is
this going to make a lot of waves, or will it encourage peace? (b) Is this
going to hurt and offend, or will it help and strengthen my brother or sister?
Let's commit ourselves anew to encouragement and affirmation.
2. Remember that sabotaging saints hurts the work of
God. "Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food" (v. 20).
You sabotage the saints when you flaunt your liberty, knowing that they have
convictions against it. That is not fair. Frankly, that is fighting dirty.
Scripture calls it "regarding with contempt" and counsels us against
it. Enjoy your liberty with discretion.
3. Exercise your liberty only with those who can enjoy
it with you. I repeat, that means to keep it private and personal. What
others don't know can't hurt them. That's not deception; it's wise and necessary
restraint. It isn't prompted by hypocrisy but by love.
4. Determine where you stand and refuse to play God in
anyone else's life. That may sound simple and easy, but it is tougher than it
may seem. Be absolutely sure you are right, then press on, regardless. By
letting others be, you free yourself to give full attention to what God is
trying to make of you. You have neither the time nor the energy to keep holding
on. Love demands that you let go.
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