Why Real Christians are Restrained Christians

Review: Restraining Our Rights for Fellow Believers

If you recall from last week, we introduced the concept of withholding our rights or freedoms as Christians for the sake of not causing a stumbling block in a fellow brother or sister's conscience. The example given was not eating meat sacrificed to idols. Though not sinful in itself—since meat is something God created, and every animal belongs to Him—Paul restrained himself.

Paul also discussed restraining himself from collecting a salary for his gospel ministry. He had the right to make a living from the gospel to meet needs for food, clothing, and shelter. But to avoid financial strain or poverty on others, he withheld that right. This teaches that even if we are free to do something not sinful, if it bothers another believer's conscience, we should refrain.

Real Christians are restrained Christians. They keep themselves in check and live cautiously before God and others. Previously, Paul addressed relationships among Christians: if a brother's conscience is genuinely bothered, stop the activity. This is not about personal preferences or manipulation, but genuine conscience issues.

God gives the conscience. If we lead others to ignore theirs in neutral matters, they may ignore it in truly sinful ones like fornication or drunkenness. This could harm their spiritual maturity.

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

1. Restraining for a Specific Purpose: Winning Souls

Paul broadens his audience beyond the church to all people. Though free from them—with no obligation—he makes himself a servant (Greek: slave) to all to win more. He enslaves himself for their salvation, to share gospel blessings.

Salvation is God's sovereign work; we cannot add to it. Paul is not "soul-winning" in a works sense, as if God rewards based on numbers converted. He means being a means of grace God uses through faithful gospel preaching, increasing opportunities for salvation.

By becoming all things to all people, he aims to save some—for the gospel's sake.

2. Restraining for Specific People

Paul adapts to Jews, those under the law, those outside the law (lawless), and the weak—to win them. This is not changing the gospel, which Galatians warns against. It is communicating the gospel effectively without unnecessary offense.

The gospel offends: to Jews, a crucified Messiah; to Gentiles, their sinfulness. Paul avoids wrong offenses to deliver the right one.

John Calvin suggested observing Jewish ceremonial laws for acceptance. Paul knew their culture: he circumcised Timothy (a Gentile by father) to gain hearing among Jews, without trusting it for salvation.

Examples:

• Not eating bacon with Jewish friends to avoid needless offense, focusing on Christ's stumbling block.
• Dressing modestly for a Muslim family to open gospel dialogue, then confronting errors like Jesus as mere prophet.
• Avoiding derogatory terms (e.g., "Romanist" for Catholics, slurs for homosexuals) to enable biblical discussions on justification by faith alone.
• Using "trust" instead of "faith" in Australian contexts where "faith" connotes mysticism, without altering truth.
• Dressing like goths or soccer players to reach those groups, without compromise.

Paul engages cultural hoops with freedom, maintaining gospel integrity. Knowledge of beliefs prevents ignorance-fueled barriers. Focus on your sphere of influence.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

3. Restraining for a Specific Prize

Paul runs to win an imperishable prize. Athletes exercise self-control in all things—not just training—for a perishable wreath. Christians restrain in every area for eternal reward.

Every aspect of life impacts your Christianity: sleep, habits, distractions. Secular athletes understand curfews affect performance; so restrain off the "track."

Build with gold, silver, precious stones—not wood, hay, stubble. Are you outdoing others in godliness, or complacent? Running to win, or just participating? Read the Word to advance sanctification, not check a box. Do all for the gospel's sake.

Real Christians restrain for brothers' consciences, effective evangelism, and holy living before God. Are you doing your best, or settling for C's?