Leading The Way - Week of April 22
April 22, 2024
Freedom Not to Sin
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
Read Romans 14:13-23.
While we have liberty in Christ, the apostle Paul is quick to add that stronger Christians have a responsibility to ensure their freedom isn’t causing weaker believers to stumble. Paul calls this type of humble and selfless behavior beautiful—the mark of a mature believer.
Christ ransomed us from the bondage of our fleshly nature not so that we could live any way we want, but so that we could make every decision with careful consideration to what brings Christ the most glory. This gives us the ultimate freedom—freedom not to sin. If any of our actions cause someone else to stumble, we don’t do it. That’s serving our brothers and sisters in Christ well. That’s true liberty.
Our goal is to emulate Jesus, the one who unites us. The one who, though fully God, gave up His splendor, glory, and freedom to become a humble servant and do His Father’s will. So, when you are tempted to say, “I am tired of serving my family, my church, my neighbor,” look at Jesus. Focusing on Jesus means you are willing to lay down your life for your friend. It means you’re willing and free to sacrifice your comfort, preferences, and pleasures—because that is what He did for us.
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes by Your Spirit to ways in which I may be causing a fellow believer to stumble. Grant me humility and freedom to sacrifice my preferences to build them up and love them well. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister” (Romans 14:13).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon From Valley to Victory, Part 18: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
What awaits the believer after this life? And how does our eternal future impact our lives today? In his new book Heaven Awaits, Dr. Michael Youssef dispels misconceptions about the believer’s eternal home and articulates the blessings, majesty, and reality of heaven as displayed in Scripture. As you dig into God’s promises for your future in Christ, you’ll be lifted up and empowered to persevere today with joy in your hope that will never disappoint. Pre-order your copy today for your gift of any amount! *Offer valid in US, UK, and Canada through May 31, 2024. The book will ship upon its release in early May.
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Listen to Dr. Michael Youssef on today's broadcast of Leading The Way at OnePlace.com.
Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.
