Have you ever been confronted by an offended believer and did not know what to say? Do you feel that there might be issues in your life that might be an offense to the Body of Christ and do not know how to deal with it?
For many years I lived to satisfy what I thought was my own will, only to find out, at the age of 37, that I was living according to the will of the devil.
What is the will of the devil? Satisfying
all the desires of our flesh!
What does that include? Doing anything to the gratification of self, for example, all forms of addiction whether eating, drinking, buying, smoking, sex, drugs, money and power, placing trust in people, wealth (whether monitory or material), abilities and talents rather than in God. Satisfying all the lusts of
my flesh, the lusts of
my eyes and the pride of
my unregenerated life! Being ruled by intellect, emotions, feelings and the things of this world!
But, … after accepting the Lord Jesus I learned that …
“Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do,
do all to the glory of God“ 1 Cor 10:31
And that I needed to “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” Psalm 34:14.
This did not come immediately after I received the Lord into my life, but with time the Lord taught me that if I wanted to truly show forth His love to
all people I had to live by His Word, not out of fear or force, but because of LOVE, and I am still learning today!
He taught me that I now belonged to His Body and needed to now widen my vision to include the rest of His Body, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man who is among you,
not to think
of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So
we,
being many, are one body in Christ, and
everyone members one of another” Rom 12:3-5
Now I had part in a new covenant, belonged to the Lord of lords and needed to ”
Let love be without dissimulation,” to “Abhor that which is evil;…” to “…cleave to that which is good,” and to ”
Be
kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;
in honour preferring one another; …
serving the Lord;… “Rom 12:9-10, 11b
I was now a servant of the Most High God, a Son of the Living Lord and was being called to ”
Be of the same mind one toward another.” I was called not to “Mind …. high things, but condescend to men of low estate.” Called to “Be not wise in your own conceits”, and to “Recompense to no man evil for evil” but to ”
Provide things honest in the sight of
all men,” and “If it be possible, as much as lies in you,” to ”
live peaceably with
all men” Rom 12:16
The Lord had now called me to live a life of peace as far as I am able and to remember that there were others in His kingdom who did not think as I do “For
one believes that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eats herbs. Let not him who eats despise him who eats not; and let not him who eats not judge him who eats: for God has received him” Rom 14:2-3
He was teaching me that there were those who were weak in their faith and that I needed to take them into consideration in whatsoever I now did and constantly He would remind me that “He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who eats not, to the Lord he eats not, and gives God thanks. For
none of us lives to himself, ….” Rom 14:6-7. And I am specifically talking here of people who do not eat certain foods because they believe that
it is a sin to eat things the Lord says in His Word we should not eat (Leviticus 11:1-47), not people who avoid certain foods because of the proven physical damage it does to the body!
Over the next 18 plus years He has constantly reminded me that we are not called to judge each other, but He also says that “….the natural man receives not the
things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know
them, because they are spiritually discerned. But
he who is spiritual judges
all things, yet
he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But
we have the mind of Christ” 1 Cor 2:154-16.
It is as if the Lord is saying, yes, there are things which are to be judged by you, “But
why do you judge your brother? Or why do you set at nought (
to make of no account, despise utterly) your brother? For
we shall
all stand before the judgement seat of Christ” Rom 14:10, and “…
every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore
judge one another any more: but
judge this rather,
that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in
his brother’s way. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus,
that
there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him who esteems anything to be unclean, to him
it is unclean. But
if your brother be grieved with
your meat, now you are not walking charitably (lovingly).
Destroy not him with your meat, for whom Christ died. Let not then your good be evil spoken of: For
the kingdom of God is not meat and drink
;
but
righteousness, and
peace, and
joy in the Holy Ghost. For
he who in these things serves Christ
is acceptable to God,
and
approved of men.
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed
are pure; but
it is evil for that man who eats with offence.
It is
good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor
anything whereby thy brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak” Rom 14:12-21
We are not all at the same level with the Lord even though that is what He desires from us, but some of us are weaker in our walk and need the milk of the Word and good Godly examples to follow. Whereas others again, have become strong from making time to dig into God’s Word and have eaten well of solid spiritual food found in His presence enabling them to soar like eagles and not be affected by many things which might cause others to fall!
I have found that it is often the easier things which trip us up and yet God has called us to “Owe no man
anything, but
to love one another: for
he who loves another has
fulfilled the law” Rom 13:8, which is the same law spoken of right throughout this study.
When I have obeyed the law of love or liberty, then will I know that my deeds are going to be rewarded by Him because “Love works no ill to his neighbour: therefore
love
is the fulfilling of the law” Rom 13:10.
So “Let us
walk honestly, ……. putting on the Lord Jesus Christ,” and making “…
no provision for the flesh, to
fulfill the lusts
thereof” Rom 13:13-14, so that men can “…so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God” 1 Cor 4:1
Yes, I know that Jesus came to set me free! But, what did He set me free from? Was it not from the consequences of my sins? Was it not from eternal separation from God? Was it not from eternal death? Was it not from a life ruled by do’s and don’ts (the law)? Was it not from the rulership of the devil and my own flesh? So if “All things are lawful unto me,” I can also know, that “…
all things are not expedient:…” and that even though, “all things are lawful for me,” yet “…
I will not be brought under the power of any.
Meats for the belly, and
the belly for meats:
but
God shall destroy both it and them” 1 Cor 6:12-13, and even when we choose to go ahead and do all the things we want to do, we need to remember that “…
God has called us to peace” 1 Cor 7:15
Please do not think that it is only some activities that come under the scrutiny of others, for “Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that
we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but
charity edifies. And if any man think that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of Him. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that
an idol is nothing in the world, and that
there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us
there is but one God, the Father, of whom
are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom
are all things, and we by him. Howbeit
there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat
it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But
meat commends us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them who are weak. For if any man see you who has knowledge sit at ‘meat’ in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And
through your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when
you sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience,
you sin against Christ. Wherefore,
if meat make my brother to offend,
I will eat no flesh while the world stands, lest I make my brother to offend” 1 Cor 8:1-13
Even if you have no problem with alcohol, smoking, drugs, eating or whatever, there are others who do! And, we are being watched! Not only by the world, but also by those who have accepted the Lord Jesus due to our input into their lives and they are watching us for guidance concerning the things of God and His will so we should be ”
Giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed: But
in all
things approving ourselves as the ministers of God” 2 Cor 6:3-4
The Lord Jesus says “Wherefore come out from among them, and be separated, ….” 2 Cor 6:17, and be different, and be guided by different standards, and be motivated by the fruit of the Spirit and do not be controlled by fleshly lust. For, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God,” and take note “….
we have wronged no man,
we have corrupted no man,
we have defrauded no man” 2 Cor 7:1-2
Can I say that? Can I truly say that I have not wronged anyone, corrupted anyone, or defrauded anyone? How do we know that we have not been an offence to others unless we are “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but
also in the sight of men“? 2 Cor 8:21. Especially since many people have a tendency to hold offences hidden in their hearts in their effort to deal with the pain, often causing rifts in a ministry!
We have been saved from “darkness into His marvelous light” and should “Neither be
idolaters, as
were some of them; as it is written,
The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play” 2 Cor 10:7, “Wherefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” 2 Cor 10:12
And yes, “All things are lawful for me,
but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me,
but all things edify not.
Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s
wealth. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles,
that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth
is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof. If any of them who believe not bid you
to a feast, and you be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols,
eat not for his sake who showed it,
and for conscience sake: for the earth
is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof: Conscience, I say, not your own,
but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another
man’s conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles,
nor to the church of God: Even as I
please all
men in all
things,
not seeking mine own profit,
but the profit of many, that they may be saved” 2 Cor 10:23-33, “And
whatsoever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” Col 3:17
Paul is not talking here of the food itself, but of food offered to idols, which you eat without knowing that it was offered to idols, but there will also be circumstances when you will not know
what you are eating and the Lord calls you to eat what is placed in front of you for the sake of the one who offers you the food, as a matter of courtesy, trusting Him to keep you safe. But, if you know that the food offered to you has been offered to idols, you have the choice not to partake for the sake of the one offering it unto you and for the sake of your own conscience. At the same time, if you know that the food contains substances that you should not be eating you have the choice to only eat that which is good for you. We need to take into consideration that this whole chapter is centered around spiritual issues and not physical or mental issues!
We are not called to please self, but to please the Lord and His Body and therefore “…..
whatsoever you do, do
it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that
of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for
you serve the Lord Christ. But he who doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons” Col 3:23-25
Yes, God does have no respect towards people. In His eyes we are all called whether we answer that call or not, and according to His Word, all will be judged! “For the time
is come that
judgement must begin at the house of God: and
if
it first
begin at us, what shall the end
be of them who
obey not the Gospel of God? And
if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 1 Peter 4:17-18
All who have come into the Body of Jesus Christ are equal in His sight, whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, tall or short, thin or fat, young or old, and He expects us to treat each other with respect and honour. Holding others in “higher esteem than ourselves” and not to think that because we are older in the Lord, or know His Word better, or have been set free from this and that, that we can claim more freedom than others “For, brethren,
you have (
all) been called unto liberty;
only
use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but
by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word,
even in this;
You shall love your neighbour as yourself” Gal 5:13-14
If I claim that I have been set free from the LAW, and yet use that freedom as an occasion to gratify my flesh, I am sinning against the Body of Jesus and will be held accountable for that for He says “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the
lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that ye would. But
if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law” Gal 5:16-18
There are still laws that I need to obey!
“Which laws?” you might ask.
The law of gravity, the law of aerodynamics, the laws of the country I live in, social laws, natural laws, spiritual laws “…for
whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For
he who sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity,
let us do good unto
all
men,
especially unto them who are of the household of faith ” Gal 6:7-10
The Word of God says, “…… all they who take the sword shall perish with the sword” Matt 26:52. For all intents and purposes if I live by hatred, bitterness, jealousy, strife, envy, selfish desire or gratifying of the flesh, it will kill me, eventually, and I will never be reunited with my heavenly Father for He says, “……they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God”! Gal 5:21
Our weapons are not carnal for He has given us better weapons to live by, for example “…….. love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (self-control):…” and He says that “….
against such there is no law.” “And
they who are Christ’s have
crucified the flesh
with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” Gal 5:22-25
The question we can ask here now is, ”
Have you crucified your flesh and the affections and lusts thereof, or are you still doing exactly the same things you did before you gave your life over to Jesus?
Paul says “If so be that you have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: That you
put off concerning the former conversation the
old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And
be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that you
put on the new man,
which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore
putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for
we are members one of another. Be angry, and
sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him who stole
steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with
his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him who needs. Let
no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is
good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all
bitterness, and
wrath, and
anger, and
clamour, and
evil speaking, be
put away from you, with all
malice: And be
kind one to another,
tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.
Be therefore followers of God, as dear children; And
walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. But
fornication, and
all uncleanness, or
covetousness, let it
not be once
named among you,
as becomes saints; Neither
filthiness, nor
foolish talking, nor
jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no
whoremonger, nor
unclean person, nor
covetous man, who is an
idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not therefore partakers with them. For you were sometimes darkness, but now
are you light in the Lord:
walk as children of light:…”, and we understand from this Scripture, even though he does not mention many things we have issues with today, that he is saying we should PUT OFF all the former things of the OLD MAN, the person I was outside of Jesus and now PUT ON the things which are fitting for the NEW MAN I have now become in the Lord Jesus! There is a part I have to play. God is not going to do it for me! I have to PUT OFF and PUT ON!
We need to remember, no matter what we think, feel or want, “….. our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost
who is in you, who you have of God, and
you are not your own? For
you are bought with a price:
therefore glorify God in your body, AND in your spirit, which are God’s” 1 Cor 6:19-20
I now no longer have the right to treat my body the way I want to! I actually have no right over my body according to this Scripture, as it has been bought with a very expensive price, and all I can now do is live to glorify God in my body, soul and spirit!
The Lord wants you to “……
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is
your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what
is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” Rom 12:1-2, but are we really ready to do that?
“Now we exhort you, brethren,” Paul says, “warn them who are unruly,
comfort the feebleminded,
support the weak,
be patient toward all
men.
See that none render evil for evil unto any
man; but
ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves,
and to all
men
” 1 Thess 14-15, and do not satisfy the desires of your flesh to the detriment of others, “…but
follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” 2 Tim 2:22
Live the type of life that proves your allegiance with the Lord Jesus and a life that will ”
Follow peace with all
men, and
holiness,
without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God” Heb 12:14-15, and “…
be at peace among yourselves” 1 Thess 5:13b, “…
that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ ……” 1 Peter 4:11b
And, “….
abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;….” 1 Peter 2:11b, “For so is the will of God, that
with well doing you may
put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As
free, and
not using
your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the
servants of God.
Honour all
men.
Love the brotherhood” 1 Peter 2:15-17, “Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always
obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence,
work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For
it is God who works in you both to will and to do of
His good pleasure” Phil 2:12-13
We cannot afford to only live a godly life in public, for we are called to live this life
even when nobody is watching us, for there is always “… a cloud of witnesses,” therefore “… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset
us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of
our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” Heb 12:1-2.
So, “Finally, …….,
whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things
are honest,
whatsoever things
are just,
whatsoever things
are pure,
whatsoever things
are lovely,
whatsoever things
are of good report; if
there be any
virtue, and if
there be any
praise,
think on these things” Phil 4:8
Amen!
