“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” -1 Cor 6:12
The Corinthian Christians prided themselves in their new found liberty in Christ. It is believed that the first part of this verse which Paul repeats here ("All things are lawful for me") was part of a Corinthian saying. What Paul does here is add some clarification and boundaries to our freedom in Christ. First we might be free from the law and the penalty of sin but not everything is helpful. For example I might be able to have a few drinks but is it really helpful for me? and those watching me if I do? I can go shopping but should I apply for store credit?
Secondly we might be free but we need to be careful to not be brought under the power (or enslaved) by any of the things we do. That is I can drink but I run the chance of getting drunk, I can spend on entertainment and amusement but I should not let that entertainment come before Christ in my life. It's okay to possess possessions but it's not okay for possessions to possess you!
Yes we are under grace and spared from God's eternal wrath but we are not spared from earthly consequences. You can stretch your liberty but you run the chance of being ripped in two. The bible says "whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." (Gal 6:7-8)
Secondly we might be free but we need to be careful to not be brought under the power (or enslaved) by any of the things we do. That is I can drink but I run the chance of getting drunk, I can spend on entertainment and amusement but I should not let that entertainment come before Christ in my life. It's okay to possess possessions but it's not okay for possessions to possess you!
Yes we are under grace and spared from God's eternal wrath but we are not spared from earthly consequences. You can stretch your liberty but you run the chance of being ripped in two. The bible says "whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." (Gal 6:7-8)
- BEFORE ENGAGING IN ANYTHING ASK YOURSELF: IS THIS ADDICTING? CAN CHRIST BE GLORIFIED AS I DO IT? AND DID I STRUGGLE WITH THIS BEFORE I WAS SAVED?
- "Before you bring down a wall make sure you find out why it was placed there to begin with." -?