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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
As we celebrate the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ that sets us free from the penalty of sin, we often breathe a sigh of relief for the loosening of the constraints of the “law” in our daily lives as well. And while that was a more urgent issue for Jews converting to Christianity, who were heavy-laden with the rules and regulations that had grown up around the original commands of God, we Gentiles likewise find release and relief from the idea of having to earn our way into heaven; however self-imposed. Paul’s letter to the Romans enumerating much of what both parties have been released from but more importantly focuses on the pre-eminence of the grace, mercy and faith that sets us free from them. The promise being that, even though we, “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,…” we are all likewise, “…justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23,24
The only drawback being when people attempt to use that freedom to, “…indulge the sinful nature;…” or as a “…cover-up for evil;…” A practice prevalent enough that both Paul and Peter felt compelled to warn against it. (Galatians 5:13 & 1 Peter 2:16) For it is indeed, “...by grace (we) have been saved, through faith – and this not from (our)selves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:9,10 Those “good works” certainly not including selfish acts or manipulative deeds designed to meet our needs or fulfill our aspirations.
In fact, Paul warns that, “‘Everything is permissible’ – but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’ – but not everything is constructive.’” 1 Corinthians 10:23 The primary reason being the outward focus Paul insisted was a defining characteristic of a Christian, seeking to accommodate others before benefitting ourselves. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) As, “Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:24 Paul elsewhere expressing his resolve not to be “mastered” by anything, even if it is permissible. (1 Corinthians 6:12) His enslavement being to Christ and His purposes, intentionally submitting himself to the labor of ministering to people, Jew and Gentile alike, in His name. His determination rooted in the knowledge that, “…our old self was crucified with (Christ) so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin…” Romans 6:6 Rejoicing in the fact that, “…now that (we) have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit (we) reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” Romans 6:22
As straightforward, assertive and even caustic as Paul could be (see 1 Corinthians 5:1-3; Galatians 2:9 & Galatians 5:11,12), it was “…so that the sinful nature may be destroyed (but the sinners) spirit saved…” 1 Corinthians 5:4,5 He strove, however, to never knowingly, “…cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God – even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” 1 Corinthians 10:32,33 (See also 1 Corinthians 8:9) Which was not necessarily unique to Paul, as he was indeed following the example of Christ Himself. (See Matthew 26:36-43) Enabling him to declare with a clear conscience, “Therefore I urge you to imitate me.” 1 Corinthians 4:16, “…as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1
Paul clung tenaciously to his freedom in Christ (1 Corinthians 9:1), but just as firmly insisted on a willingness to defer to others whenever that enhances opportunities for ministry. In practicing what he preached to the Romans, he was “…careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.” (As long as no fundamental principles of the faith were compromised.) Expecting us to, “…as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:17,18 And to, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Enabling us to then, “…look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3,4His confession to the Corinthians concerning the dispersal of a monetary gift he had been entrusted with being applicable to all he did. “…we are taking pains to do what is right not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.” 2 Corinthians 8:21 Made all the more impressive when we see how uncompromisingly he stood on the principles he truly believed in. (Such as those recorded in Acts 15:36-40; Galatians 2:9,2:11-14 & 5:1-6)
His all-consuming desire to see people brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, particularly illustrated in his expressed willingness to change places with the lost of Israel (Romans 9:1-3), instilled in him a desire to sacrifice anything he possessed if it stood in the way of that mission. (Philippians 3:4-9) For, “Though I am free and belong to no one, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews… (See Acts 16:3) To those not having the law I became like one not having the law…, so as to win those not having the law... (Acts 15:12) I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-23Which is not to say Paul was fake in dealing with people or so malleable as to appear to be something he wasn’t in an effort to spread the gospel; certainly never assuming the characteristics of whoever he was with at the moment. It does mean however, that he was willing to accommodate others – within reason – when the need arose to put them at ease and enhance the possibility of a positive response to “the mystery of godliness.” (1 Timothy 3:16)
The idea of trading constraints for restraints comes from Christ Himself, who responded to a question concerning the greatest commandment in the law. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. There is no commandment greater than these.’” Matthew 22:37-40 & Mark 12:30-31 (combined here for emphasis) Genuine love for God causing us to seek ways to fulfill his every wish and whim (let alone his commands), loving our neighbors conversely removing the need for ‘Thou shalt” and “Thou shalt not.” Love simply seeking the good in and for others. Doing so, like Paul, “…for the sake of the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:23 Which has, “…set(us) free from sin…” and made us “slaves to righteousness.” Romans 6:18
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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