Page 82 oppressed, I share their oppression so that I might bring them to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ. I do all this to spread the Good News, and in doing so I enjoy its blessings. (1 Cor. 9:20-23, NLT) Paul knew his freedom in Christ. He was utterly and totally liberated. His conscience was strong. (Yet he was bound to the ,Law of Christ which indwelt Him–Rom. 8:1-4. Freedom from the Law doesn’t mean freedom from Jesus Christ.) Paul was so free that he was not in bondage to his own freedom! What a high mark to hit! Conclusion One of the Lord’s chief goals for you, His child, is spiritual maturity (Col. 1:28; 4:12; Rom. 12:2-3; Eph. 4:14-15; Php. 3:16; Jam. 1:4). Our heavenly Father intends to make His children spiritual adults. He calls us to be full sons. Servants are given orders. They are given very little freedom to exercise their own preferences or choices. Sons are given the life of their Father as well as understanding into His will and ways (John 15:15; Gal. 4:1ff.). They are given abundant freedom of choice. A large part of spiritual maturity is learning to develop discernment and sound judgment so as to make wise choices that reflect God’s heart. I trust that this message will be helpful to all of God’s people who
The reason the church tries so many other things besides preaching Christ is because it suspects the kingdom can be established some other way. But there is no other way. People will not come into the kingdom because they like the minister, support the children's program, or enjoy the music. They may come into a church that way, but not into the kingdom. The only way people ever come into God's kingdom is by hearing His heralds proclaim a crucified King.
Philip Graham Ryken