Sometimes we come to a fork on the road. The Bible does not tell us in every situation what we are supposed to do. If it did it would be a much larger book. God has given us principles for the grey areas of life. E.g. Drinking, smoking, movies, going to bars, secular music, eating habits, drugs, etc.

The background to this passage is about eating meat offered to idols. This meat was used in a pagan temple and then sold in the marketplace?

1 – I will do all things as unto the Lord

A follower of Christ is to think about things before they do it. We do it to the Lord rather to please men. We accept it for the Lord.

2 – I will live in light of the judgment seat of Christ (vs. 10-18)

Why do we judge others so quickly? We all have to stand before the judgment seat of God. We are to think about appearing before God to give an account of our actions. It is like appearing in court to answer a charge against us. We are not to put unnecessary obstacles in the life of a Christian. We are to think about others and their accountability to God. Our “freedom” can become evil if we do it in an insensitive way.

3 – I will consider my weaker brother in all I do

The Christian who lays down their liberty for the sake of positively affecting the lives of others is a mark of maturity. Our freedom should not cause another person to stumble who has a weaker conscience. E.g. Drinking wine with a former alcoholic who has become a Christian.

4 – I will do nothing unless I am sure it is right to do (vs. 22-23)

We must draw a borderline. We must be fully convinced in our own mind. Our conscience will condemn us if we are not sure. God does not want us on the fence. We are to be convinced that something is right before we do it.

5. I will do all things to the glory of my God

See 1 Corinthians 10:22-31. We see God’s glory rather than God Himself. Our lives are to display the reality of God. We can’t do things that do not display this glory of God.

6. I will avoid what appears to be wrong, even if I know it is not

See 1 Thessalonians 5:22. We are to avoid the appearance of evil. God is setting a high standard for us to follow. E.g. Going out alone with a woman of the opposite sex. Some people don’t want to draw lines. This is what God wants! We are to abstain from the appearance of evil. There are things that we cannot do, to avoid the appearance of evil.

7. I will abstain from things that could enslave me

See 1 Corinthians 6:12. Some things are to be avoided as they are dangerously addictive. We are not to be controlled by anything or anyone, other than God. E.g. Alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gambling, etc. Do you tell your children to ride their bike along the edge of the Grand Canyon or several feet away? You can skirt too close and become a casualty. It is better to abstain.

8. I will seek always to do what I believe Jesus would do

See Romans 12:1-2. We are followers of Christ. We are to have convictions about our freedom in Christ. We must have a good conscience. Do you want to remain a child or grow up to become a mature Christian?

Categories: Romans