(1 Corinthians 8:9 NIV) Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
Those who are older in the faith and loves God and is known by God has learned many things, which has provided a freedom from the laws of man they once followed. Knowing that these laws cannot cleanse the inner man, this person is freed from the law’s hold. This new freedom is a wonderful gift for it removes the weight and the burden once carried but it is not to be exercised in all situations. There are many comforts I enjoy in my own home but would not expect to do the same anywhere else, likewise Paul uses the example of eating meat. In the act of eating meat there is no wrong but if it causes a new believer to doubt then by doing this you have done more damage than good or if you being older in the faith set an example that causes those weaker to join you, going against their own conscience, you sin against Christ and destroy your brother by your knowledge!
You begin to understand that labeling something sin is more difficult than it might first appear and reason is given to withhold judgment on others. Yes there are absolutes but there are also things God’s Word does not make clear by words alone but by the Holy Spirit does He lead you. Why do you think there are so many different types of churches? Very quickly this topic goes very deep. It would seem along with absolutes there are other things God requires of us individually based on our knowledge or revelation of Him. Paul also said this to the Philippians…
(Philippians 2:12-13 NIV) Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Know this, God does not contradict His Word. If you sense God is leading you to do something His Word says not to do then abandon that thought quickly, for it is not God’s voice you are hearing. Also beware of those who impose their thoughts and ideas upon you; just like the Pharisees added to God’s commandments and puffed themselves up there are those today who lie waiting for the weak so they might show their strength. Like Peter you too will learn this freedom God gives has a specific purpose, yes you may enjoy it but as you have come to learn the character of God there is also a calling that goes along with it.
(Acts 10:9-16 NIV) About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat." "Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean." The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
This vision was given to Peter, by God so that he would understand it was alright, even required of him being a Jew to enter the house of a Gentile so that God’s will may be done. In doing so Peter broke a Jewish law, which he had been freed from so that he may know God’s higher calling. If you claim freedom in Christ Jesus know that you have been given much and if you have been given much know also that much will be required of you (Luke 12:48).
(1 Corinthians 4:1-2 NIV) So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
