Christian Liberty and the Council of Jerusalem

 

Summary

In our exploration of Acts 15:22-29, we delve into the pivotal decision made by the Council of Jerusalem, a decision that shaped the early church's approach to Gentile converts. The council addressed the controversy stirred by Judaizers who insisted that Gentiles must adhere to Jewish customs, such as circumcision, to be fully integrated into the church. The council, guided by the Holy Spirit, decided not to impose such burdens, focusing instead on four key prohibitions: abstaining from food offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.

The decision to abstain from food offered to idols is particularly intriguing. While the council deemed it necessary at the time, Paul later described such matters as adiaphorous—neither inherently sinful nor virtuous, but rather a matter of personal conscience. This distinction between law and prudence is crucial. The council's decision was a temporary measure to maintain unity and peace between Jewish and Gentile believers, not a perpetual mandate.

This discussion extends to the broader theme of Christian liberty and the dangers of legalism. We must be cautious not to impose additional burdens where God has granted freedom. This principle applies to various cultural and religious practices, such as the use of art in worship. While some traditions have historically opposed religious art, fearing idolatry, we recognize that art can glorify God and reflect His beauty, provided it does not become an object of worship itself.

Finally, the council's prohibition against sexual immorality remains a timeless command. Unlike the temporary measures regarding food, the call to purity is a perpetual standard, reflecting God's holiness. In a culture that often normalizes sexual immorality, the church must uphold this standard, recognizing it as an offense against a holy God.

Key Takeaways:

- The Council of Jerusalem's decision highlights the importance of distinguishing between temporary measures for unity and perpetual commands. The council's prohibitions were meant to address specific cultural tensions, not to impose lasting legalistic burdens. [03:00]

- Christian liberty allows for personal conscience in matters deemed adiaphorous, such as eating food offered to idols. This liberty requires sensitivity to others' consciences, avoiding actions that might cause others to stumble. [08:51]

- Legalism can arise when churches impose additional rules not mandated by Scripture. We must guard against adding to God's law, recognizing that true holiness comes from aligning with God's commands, not human traditions. [10:10]

- The use of art in worship can glorify God when it reflects His beauty and truth. While some traditions have opposed religious art, fearing idolatry, art can serve as a means to honor God, provided it does not become an object of worship. [19:43]

- The prohibition against sexual immorality is a timeless command, reflecting God's holiness. In a culture that often normalizes such behavior, the church must uphold this standard, recognizing it as an offense against a holy God. [24:48]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:31] - Introduction to Acts 15:22-29
- [01:23] - The Council's Decision
- [02:10] - Significance for the 21st Century
- [03:00] - The Judaizers' Controversy
- [03:47] - The Four Prohibitions
- [04:37] - Food Offered to Idols
- [05:29] - Jewish Dietary Laws
- [06:12] - The Problem of Idolatry
- [07:03] - Paul's Teaching on Christian Liberty
- [08:51] - Understanding Adiaphorous
- [10:10] - Legalism and Christian Freedom
- [13:02] - Prudence vs. Law
- [19:43] - Art in Worship
- [24:48] - The Call to Purity
- [28:58] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 15:22-29

Observation Questions:
1. What was the main controversy addressed by the Council of Jerusalem, and how did they resolve it? [03:00]
2. What were the four prohibitions given to the Gentile converts by the Council of Jerusalem? [01:23]
3. How did Paul later describe the issue of eating food offered to idols, and what term did he use to explain it? [07:58]
4. What was the Council's stance on sexual immorality, and how did it differ from the other prohibitions? [23:54]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why did the Council of Jerusalem decide not to impose circumcision on Gentile converts, and what does this reveal about their understanding of Christian liberty? [03:47]
2. How does the concept of adiaphorous, as explained by Paul, help us understand the balance between personal conscience and community sensitivity? [08:51]
3. In what ways can legalism manifest in modern churches, and how can it be avoided according to the sermon? [10:10]
4. How does the sermon suggest that art can be used in worship without becoming idolatrous, and what principles should guide its use? [19:43]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt pressured to conform to a religious practice that wasn't biblically mandated. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience? [10:10]
2. Consider your own views on Christian liberty. Are there areas where you might be imposing unnecessary burdens on yourself or others? How can you adjust your perspective? [08:51]
3. How can you ensure that your personal freedoms do not cause others to stumble in their faith? What practical steps can you take to be more sensitive to others' consciences? [11:28]
4. In what ways can you incorporate art into your worship or spiritual life to glorify God, while ensuring it does not become an object of worship itself? [19:43]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of upholding the standard of sexual purity. How can you personally commit to this standard in a culture that often normalizes sexual immorality? [24:48]
6. Think about a tradition or practice in your church that might be considered legalistic. How can you engage in a conversation about its relevance and necessity with church leadership? [10:10]
7. Identify one area in your life where you might be conforming to cultural norms rather than biblical standards. What changes can you make to align more closely with God's commands? [28:10]

Devotional

Day 1: Distinguishing Temporary Measures from Perpetual Commands
The Council of Jerusalem's decision in Acts 15:22-29 was a pivotal moment for the early church, as it addressed the controversy surrounding Gentile converts and the imposition of Jewish customs. The council, guided by the Holy Spirit, chose not to impose the burden of circumcision and other Jewish customs on Gentile believers. Instead, they focused on four key prohibitions to maintain unity and peace between Jewish and Gentile believers. These prohibitions were temporary measures, not perpetual mandates, meant to address specific cultural tensions of the time. This decision highlights the importance of distinguishing between temporary measures for unity and perpetual commands that reflect God's eternal standards. [03:00]

Acts 15:28-29 (ESV): "For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell."

Reflection: Consider a tradition or practice in your life that may be more cultural than biblical. How can you discern whether it is a temporary measure for unity or a perpetual command from God?


Day 2: Embracing Christian Liberty with Sensitivity
Christian liberty allows believers to exercise personal conscience in matters deemed adiaphorous, such as eating food offered to idols. While the council initially prohibited such practices to maintain unity, Paul later described them as neither inherently sinful nor virtuous. This liberty requires sensitivity to others' consciences, avoiding actions that might cause others to stumble. It is essential to balance personal freedom with love and consideration for fellow believers, ensuring that our actions do not become a stumbling block to others. [08:51]

1 Corinthians 8:9-10 (ESV): "But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols?"

Reflection: Think of a personal freedom you enjoy that might affect others differently. How can you exercise this freedom while being sensitive to the consciences of those around you?


Day 3: Guarding Against Legalism
Legalism can arise when churches impose additional rules not mandated by Scripture. The Council of Jerusalem's decision serves as a reminder to guard against adding to God's law, recognizing that true holiness comes from aligning with God's commands, not human traditions. Legalism can burden believers with unnecessary rules, detracting from the freedom and grace found in Christ. It is crucial to focus on the heart of God's commands and avoid creating barriers that hinder others from experiencing His love and grace. [10:10]

Colossians 2:20-23 (ESV): "If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—'Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch' (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh."

Reflection: Reflect on any rules or traditions you follow that may not be biblically mandated. How can you focus more on God's commands and less on human traditions?


Day 4: The Role of Art in Worship
The use of art in worship can glorify God when it reflects His beauty and truth. While some traditions have historically opposed religious art, fearing idolatry, art can serve as a means to honor God, provided it does not become an object of worship. Art can enhance worship by drawing attention to God's majesty and creativity, helping believers connect with Him on a deeper level. It is essential to ensure that art remains a tool for worship, not an idol, and that it points to the Creator rather than the creation. [19:43]

Exodus 31:2-5 (ESV): "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft."

Reflection: Consider how art is used in your worship experience. How can you ensure that it enhances your connection with God rather than becoming an object of worship itself?


Day 5: Upholding the Call to Purity
The council's prohibition against sexual immorality remains a timeless command, reflecting God's holiness. Unlike the temporary measures regarding food, the call to purity is a perpetual standard that the church must uphold. In a culture that often normalizes sexual immorality, believers are called to live in a way that honors God and reflects His holiness. Upholding this standard requires intentionality and a commitment to living according to God's design for relationships and sexuality. [24:48]

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (ESV): "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively pursue purity in your thoughts, actions, and relationships? How can you support others in your community to do the same?

Quotes

"And then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas, who was also named Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. And they wrote this letter to them. The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, to the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia, greetings." [00:00:05]

"Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying you must be circumcised and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment, it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." [00:00:51]

"For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell." [00:01:31]

"When we look at the decision of the Council of Jerusalem, and see the final conclusions that were reached and that were mentioned in this pastoral letter that was sent back to Asia Minor, to Antioch, and Syria, and so on, with Paul and Barnabas and their comrades. It would seem to be a very simple and forthright decision that was reached." [00:02:38]

"The first thing that they are told to abstain from are things offered to idols. Now most commentators, if not all, agree that was in view here was the problem of the eating of meat that had been offered as sacrifices at pagan altars. The pagan had their altars to the various false gods, and so in their ritual ceremonies they would take food stuffs, particularly meat, and put them there in front of the statue or the idol and they would go through a ritual saying so much mumbo-jumbo." [00:04:37]

"Paul says it’s not a sin, but if you think it is, in your weakness it is a sin. And he said to those who had the liberty to treat it as adiaphora that they should be sensitive to the weaker brother, and that sensitivity meant not to eat that meat that was offered to idols and grind it in the face of people who had conscientious objections to it." [00:11:28]

"Sometimes when councils come together they enact legislation. Sometimes they come together and give advice. And there is a difference between prudence and law. And what the early church is saying is that this time, this critical moment when the Gentiles are just now being brought into full communion with the church and they come with this baggage of eating meat offered to idols, which is incendiary as far as their Jewish brethren are concerned, until we get that thing calmed down and settled down and sorted out, the best piece of wisdom is to abstain." [00:12:31]

"Calvin, on the other hand, who certainly shared Luther’s passion for justification by faith alone, was even more impassioned by the problem of idolatry. Calvin’s chief concern was not simply for the reformation of doctrine but for the reformation of worship. And he wrote to the church in the sixteenth century about the use of art, about the use of images in the church." [00:17:00]

"Calvin was aware of the second commandment, and when he was discussing the second commandment he knew that in the old covenant that God forbad the use of images that would reflect the deity of God or the use of images as means of worship in any way. Such activity would be, indeed, idolatry. But he was also aware that in the Old Testament itself the same God who prohibited the use of images commanded the artistic shaping of the cherubim to guard the mercy seat in the temple." [00:17:39]

"Here’s what Calvin taught in the sixteenth century. He said under God and under the Word of God the use of artistic representations of historical events and historical personages is quite legitimate. Let me pause here for a second. Go to any great museum in the world. Go to the Louvre in Paris, go to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, go to the National Gallery in Washington, go to the Metropolitan Art Museum in New York, and you will see that a very high percentage of the greatest artworks in Western history are religious art done for the glory of God." [00:19:22]

"Paul was not concerned only temporarily for the people coming out of paganism to refrain from fornication. Later on in the epistles we hear the apostle say this. “Listen carefully, young people. Don’t let fornication even once be named among you, as befitting saints.” Not situational ethics, not a question of prudence, but a question of insulting the holiness of God." [00:24:21]

"That’s what the Gentiles had been doing. They had an immoral culture, and so the Council of Jerusalem said that has to stop when you come into the church. That has to stop when you become a Christian. That is something that we have to take a stand for, so that it never is even once named among us as befitting saints." [00:28:30]

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Transcript
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