I Will Not Be Mastered
Date: July 11, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse:
The Bible Verse in CSB:
"Everything is permissible for me," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me," but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12
L - Listen for God's Word and pray:
"Dear God, as I come before You, open my heart to hear Your Word and understand the depth of Your love and grace, and to understand today’s scripture like never before.”
E - Explore the History and Meaning:
Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Corinth, which was a mess. He spent over a year there planting the church and dealing with issues, and laying down some principles and practices for the believers. In this verse he deals with judging between right and wrong… and that while all things are lawful, yet not all things are expedient, or morally right.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
Everything is permissible – allowed, permitted
Not everything is Beneficial – results in good.
S - Summarize and Share:
There are some things that are clearly sinful according to the Bible: adultery, stealing, lying, etc. There are other things that may feel like they are in the gray area in that they are not necessarily sinful. But before you go ahead and participate in those behaviors, think about Paul’s words: is it beneficial? Is it constructive? Are you only seeking your own good, or are you seeking the good of others?
When you are thinking about doing something, just deciding whether or not it’s a sin isn’t enough. Think about whether or not that behavior is beneficial. Is it constructive? Is it good for others and will it bring glory to God?
I want you to think of something, some action or behavior that you might enjoy, but that might not be constructive or beneficial… Are you reading or watching tv shows or movies that you enjoy, but may have the wrong message, or by watching it, could risk changing your opinion of something that you know and believe is right? How about video games, or social media? If we are neglecting our responsibilities to our family or work, then we need to re-evaluate why we are doing those things. It’s not against the law to do those things, but is it beneficial?
4 Bible Cross References:
Romans 14:14-23 (CSB): "I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Still, to someone who considers a thing to be unclean, to that one it is unclean. For if your brother or sister is hurt by what you eat, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy, by what you eat, someone for whom Christ died. Therefore, do not let your good be slandered, for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and receives human approval. So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another. Do not tear down God’s work because of food. Everything is clean, but it is wrong to make someone fall by what he eats. It is a good thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble. Whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever doubts stands condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith, and everything that is not from faith is sin."
2 Thessalonians 3:9 (CSB): "It is not that we don’t have the right to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate us."
1 Corinthians 8:4 (CSB): "About eating food offered to idols, then, we know that 'an idol is nothing in the world,' and that 'there is no God but one.'"
Hebrews 12:15-16 (CSB): "Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many. And see that there is no immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for one meal."