Leading The Way

April 15, 2024

Christian Liberty

By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Read Romans 14.

If Paul is emphasizing one thing in Romans 14, he is pleading with believers to major on the majors and minor on the minors. As Christians filled with the Holy Spirit, we have liberty to exercise our judgment concerning practices that aren’t expressly restricted in the Bible or essential for righteous and holy living.

When our eyes are fixed on pleasing the Lord above everything else in life, we will naturally pursue righteousness—and we won’t waste our time focusing on the social habits of others. That doesn’t mean looking the other way at blatant sin, but in matters of Christian liberty—clothing, food, and certain practices, like smoking, drinking alcohol (not in excess), or other amusements—we shouldn’t become legalistic and create rules for behavior that aren’t in the Bible.

The enemy wants to distract us with small issues that create unnecessary division in the church. Let’s not waste a single minute or ounce of energy fighting the saints. Let’s use all our ammunition to defeat sin and temptation in our lives. Let’s turn our weapons toward the enemy of our souls. Let’s focus on what’s important to God—the heart, not outward appearances. And let’s faithfully exercise our liberty by seeking His will through prayer and His Word.

Prayer: God, help me to focus on pleasing You today. May I dwell on whatever is true, noble, excellent, or praiseworthy to be an encouragement to others and to follow You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand” (Romans 14:4).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon From Valley to Victory, Part 18: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

What awaits the believer after this life? And how does our eternal future impact our lives today? In his new book Heaven Awaits, Dr. Michael Youssef dispels misconceptions about the believer’s eternal home and articulates the blessings, majesty, and reality of heaven as displayed in Scripture. As you dig into God’s promises for your future in Christ, you’ll be lifted up and empowered to persevere today with joy in your hope that will never disappoint. Pre-order your copy today for your gift of any amount! *Offer valid in US, UK, and Canada through May 31, 2024. The book will ship upon its release in early May.

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Listen to Dr. Michael Youssef on today's broadcast of Leading The Way at OnePlace.com.
Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.