Let us pause and consider this point that we are free (at least in a certain sense and to a certain extent). We do have liberty. Paul will later address his use of this liberty, but for now, let us pause and consider this point that we are free.
As Christians, we “live” in a local church. I am not speaking of the true universal church of only elect believers. This local church is a community of both believers and non-believers. Jealousies and selfishness can arise which lead to legalism as a way of self-promotion. “I am better than you, because I don’t do the things that you do.” We may be free and have liberty to do these things, but our attackers don’t care. They just want to set up artificial, man-made rules to trap us, to distinguish themselves from us, to harm us, and to selfishly promote themselves. Paul faced it then, and we face it today.
Paul recognized that there were those who wanted to make it seem as if Paul could not eat or drink certain things, as if Paul could not marry, and/or as if Paul could not receive income from contributions received by the church. If Paul did these things, then his attackers could sling mud and contrast him as imperfect and inferior to themselves or others who did not do these things.
So, Paul emphasizes his freedom and liberty here in today’s Scripture. And, Paul also emphasizes his freedom and liberty elsewhere. And, we see the reason for that emphasis. There are those who are jealous and try to impose their artificial, man-made rules to trap us, to distinguish themselves from us, to harm us, and to selfishly promote themselves.
We are reminded of the whole book of Galatians. “But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.” Galatians 2:4-5. “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.” Galatians 5:1-5.
So, be aware and warned of this jealousy and selfish ambition!
“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:14-18.
Be reminded of the freedom and liberty that we have in Christ!
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.” 1 Timothy 4:4-5.
1 Timothy 6:17
“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11.
“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 