Fighting for What Matters Most — Day 3

View Sermon Video HERE

Day 3: Freedom and Responsibility

Devotional
The Jerusalem Council reached a remarkable conclusion that balanced gospel freedom with loving responsibility. They affirmed that Gentiles were saved by grace alone through faith alone—no circumcision or law-keeping required. Yet they also asked these new believers to abstain from certain practices that would deeply trouble their Jewish brothers and sisters. This reveals a beautiful paradox at the heart of Christian community: we are simultaneously freed from the law's demands and bound to one another in love. Our salvation doesn't depend on following rules, but our love for fellow believers might lead us to limit our freedom for their sake. Imagine the joy of those Gentile believers when they heard they didn't need to adopt Jewish customs to be fully accepted by God! Yet their willingness to accommodate some Jewish sensibilities demonstrated that their freedom wasn't self-centered but community-minded. This balance challenges us today. We might insist on our Christian liberty in ways that harm others whose faith is more fragile. Or we might impose unnecessary burdens on new believers beyond what Scripture requires. The Jerusalem Council reminds us to hold firmly to grace while holding gently to preferences, creating a community where both truth and love can flourish.

Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. - 1 Corinthians 8:8-9

Reflection Question
In what ways might God be calling you to either embrace your freedom in Christ more fully or limit your freedom out of love for others in your church?

“This is a paradox of the Gospel, that we're free from the law,
but we're bound to one another in love.”
~Pastor Mike Mura

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for freeing me from earning Your favor through religious performance. Help me use my freedom not as an excuse for self-indulgence but as an opportunity to serve others in love. Show me when to stand firm on gospel essentials and when to bend on personal preferences for the sake of unity. Amen.