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Biblical references in Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ's nondenominational sermon outlines are linked directly to text of the King James version of the Bible. Bible quotes you hear in the streaming audio may be from the New King James version of the Bible.
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Introduction.
1. We have seen that the Lord
intends for us to enjoy a fellowship together in the church of Christ which
has
a. The intimacy of a family
b. The interdependence of a body
2. For us to have this kind of
fellowship, it is important to understand certain concepts that can have a
bearing on fellowship
a. The proper use of our freedom
in Christ is one such concept
b. Failure to understand the
nature and proper application of liberty has destroyed the fellowship of
many churches
3. In this lesson, we shall
examine the nature of our freedom in Christ and how it affects our fellowship
with one another
Body.
I. WHAT IS THE NATURE OF OUR
FREEDOM IN CHRIST?
A. HOW CAN WE ENJOY THIS FREEDOM
IN CHRIST?
1. Jesus offered freedom to
His disciples - John
8:31-32,36
2. Paul taught that Christ has
made us free, and we should be careful to stand fast in this liberty - Galatians
5:1
3. James refers to the
"perfect law of liberty" - James
1:25
B. WHAT DO YOU MEAN FREEDOM?
1. Does this mean we are
totally free from any sort of obligation?
a. That we are free to
"do our own thing"?
b. That we have no
responsibilities to anyone?
c. That we are free from
having to be concerned about others?
d. Of course not!
2. We should be careful to
understand the context of freedom in Christ
a. Jesus was promising
freedom from sin - John
8:34-36
b. Paul had reference to
freedom from rudimentary elements of the Old Law - Galatians
4:3-5,8-11
c. The perfect law of
liberty is a blessing only to those who are doers of the word - James
1:21-25
3. The truth of the matter is
that we have been set free in order that we might serve!
a. Set free from the slavery
of sin, that we might be servants of righteousness - Romans
6:17-18; 6:12-16
b. We are now free to serve
one another through love - Galatians
5:13-15
II. HOW THIS FREEDOM RELATES TO
FELLOWSHIP?
A. THE CHURCH AT CORINTH: A CASE
IN POINT
1. The situation:
a. Brethren were claiming to
have true knowledge about eating meat sacrificed to idols - 1
Corinthians 8:1-6
b. By their example and
influence, they were encouraging others to violate their conscience - 1
Corinthians 8:7
c. Those who so violated
their weak conscience were sinning - Romans
14:23
2. But even if there was
liberty in Christ to eat such things, Paul taught against it
a. Because it was a
stumbling block to those weak in faith - 1
Corinthians 8:9-10
b. Because this abuse of
knowledge and liberty was causing brethren to sin, which in itself is a
sin against Christ! - 1
Corinthians 8:11-12
3. Paul provides himself as an
example of the proper use of freedom
a. He is willing to go to
extremes in service to his weak brother - 1
Corinthians 8:13
b. Though an apostle,
enjoying freedom in Christ - 1
Corinthians 9:1
c. He is willing to place
limitations on his freedom to save others - 1
Corinthians 9:19-23
4. He concludes his treatment
on this subject with a command for us to follow his example - 1
Corinthians 10:31-11:1
B. PAUL GAVE SIMILAR COUNSEL TO
CHURCH IN ROME
1. The strong in faith are to
be considerate of those weak in faith - Romans
14:1,13
2. Even if it means giving up
things that are right within themselves - Romans
14:14-23
3. Bearing with the scruples
of the weak, seeking their edification, follows the example of Christ
Himself - Romans
15:1-3
C. HOW DO WE APPLY THESE
PRINCIPLES?
1. Rather than just trying to
please ourselves, there would be serious efforts to build up one another
a. I would not just think of
the value of assembling for my own personal benefit
b. But I would also be
concerned about the impact of my absence on others!
2. Brethren would be patient
with those weak in faith, willing even to forego liberties in Christ in
order to serve
a. I would not be desirous
to press issues or ideas on those whose consciences could not allow them
to participate
b. Instead, I would seek
other ways where we could accomplish the same goals
3. An atmosphere of love,
service, and unity would exist, in which fellowship could truly thrive to
the glory of God!
Conclusion.
1. The fellowship we enjoy in
Christ is a precious thing, made possible by the work of Christ on the cross -
Ephesians
2:13-22
2. Yet, that fellowship is also a
fragile thing, easily disrupted through our misuse of the freedom we have in
Christ!
3. The solution? To have that mind
of Christ in our dealings with one another - Philippians
2:1-8
a. Fellowship in one accord is
possible, but only when we heed the admonitions given by Paul to the
Philippians
1) To do nothing through
selfish ambition or conceit
2) To esteem others better
than one's self
3) To look out for the
interests of others
b. Only by following Christ's
own example humble service, can we insure that fellowship in one accord will
continue!
4. Will we follow the example of
Christ in how we use our freedom in our fellowship?
-- Don Treadway, May
2002 --
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