Page 3 - Guidance and the Will of God | Truth & Tidings
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31 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, etc.) that 3. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 8:1 “But
testify to God’s demanded parameters in take heed lest by any means this liberty of
our lives. Not all, however, are things for- yours become a stumbling block to them
bidden, for there are those things which are that are weak.” The immediate context (vv4-
required for us to do: forgiveness (Eph 13) surrounds the issue of meats offered to
4:32), repentance (Acts 17:30), faith (Acts idols. The principle is that of “the brother”
16:31), baptism (Mark 16:16), and the (v13) and involves prayerful consideration of
commemoration of the Lord’s Super (1Cor the influence of my behavior on my brother
11:24). or sister in Christ. Will it stumble or help
them in their Christian experience?
As we begin to obey God in His de-
manded parameters, we become increas- 4. First Corinthians 10:23 gives us the
ingly sensitive to His will for our daily principle of building. “All things are lawful
walk. Will the activity, word, or place, for me, but all things edify not.” Every mov-
cause us to sin against God by disobedience ie, every music CD or download, every pro-
to a given precept? Graciously, He gives us gram, every friendship will build you up as a
principles to direct our steps. They are child of God or pull you down. True enter-
equally as binding, but much broader in tainment is legitimate and a gift from God,
their application. In studying the Bible, but the devil is clever and knows that if he can
look for principles that are being taught, get you to laugh and enjoy that which is de-
for through their proper application, many grading to the image of God, he has gained
questions will be answered when it comes the day. In your decision-making, ask your-
to decision making. While there are many self, is this choice edifying? Will it build me
more, we will briefly consider six guiding up spiritually?
principles.
5. The principle of benediction in 1
1. In 1 Corinthians 6:12 we have the Corinthians 10:31 is universal in its applica-
principle of benefit. Paul says “All things tion: “Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or
are lawful for me but all things are not ex- whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
pedient.” The “all things” whether taken as This underlines every other principle. Am I
things possible or things amoral (not sin in seeking God’s glory in everything or my
themselves), does not change the principle own? Every conversation, every activity, ev-
presented. We need to determine if what I ery vacation, every outing, every wardrobe
am about to do or say is expedient (profit- (Decency: How I cover my physique; Dig
able or helpful) in bringing me to my God- nity: How I carry my person; Deportment:
given goal. How I convey my personality) will either
bring honor or dishonor to the Lord.
2. In that same verse is the principle of
bondage. Paul says “I will not be brought 6. The principle that emerges from 1
under the power (authority) of any.” Any Corinthians 10:32-33 is that of blessing to
activity that may enslave you, though it the unsaved. What does my neighbor think
may not be sin in itself, is wrong. When an is the most important thing in my life? Not
innocent pursuit begins to control you or all of us yet have the courage or ability to
you become addicted to it, it has become present an unsaved friend or acquaintance
sin to you - you are “under the power” of it. with a gospel tract or message. Is my manner
The Will of God I August 2016 3
