Jean Jack Rousseau had a point when he said that “man is born free but everywhere in chains.” The “chains” are subject to interpretation but the greatest of man’s chains is the power of sin that incapacitates him from living the life God created him to live. But there is a greatest of what I would call “positive chains.” Love! “Christ’s love compels us... (2Cor.5;14).” Such love is the desire to live to the glory of God and to the good of all mankind. In this way then, one’s freedom ends at the neighbour’s need and he must thus reach out to meet the need of the neighbour, regardless of the cost, without expecting anything in return!

v  I am free to eat all I have but how will I be satisfied when my next door neighbour is crying of gastritis from hunger?

v  I am free to fight and win an office but how would I be happy there when I have tramples to death those I am supposed to lead?

v  I am free to eat and drink and go to any society I want  being sure that I am a Christian but how will I be satisfied knowing that others follow me to all except the church?

 

God Blesses us to live for Him & for others not ourselves!!

1.Promote Success in others (12-16)

v  We shall give an account (v.12)

v  Of our spirituality!

v  Of our influence on others!

v  No stumbling blocks (v.13b).

v  Not even food (as an example)

v  Act in love. (1Cor. 10:23-24)

v  Live as free as you want to, but ensure that all you are, all you eat or drink, all you do or say,

v   draws others to Jesus.

v  WHY?

v  They are your brothers (5,Gal.6:10).

v   Christ died for them (v5;20; Mk. 9:42ff).

v  They will stand (v.4; Jude 24):

The Lord’s own may fall but will stand by God’s Grace.

Be a part of their standing!

2. Promote Kingdom character in others (v.17-23)

v  Not food and drink (1Cor.8:8)/v. 17,23

When someone sees what you eat or drink; what you are doing; & hears what you are saying, does he go away closer to God; more righteousness, peaceful; full of joy or desiring these things?

v  Righteousness (Isa. 54:14-15)

v  Christ died for our righteousness.

v  Blessed are the righteous (Matt. 5:10)

v  Peace: Peace makers (Matt. 5:9).

v  Make every effort (Rom. 12:18; 14:19)

v  Joy: Great pleasure and delight.

v  Kintarir. Giving JOY: a duty!

Francis of Assisi:

“For what are the servants of the Lord but His servants who should raise the hearts of men and move them to spiritual joy.”

v  Seek in all to edify (v.19)

v  Act in faith (v.23):If in doubt, Stop

v  Everything that does not come from faith is sin!

The Result (v18):

Pleasing to God; approved by men

v  From your life remove blockages to others success!

v  Promote Kingdom Principles!

v  Be pleasing to God & man.

Your success is ensured and you will lift the world and the name of Jesus, High!

v  This is possible only by the Holy Spirit (v. 17).

Believe in Jesus,

Stay with the Spirit

Influence Positively!