James is addressing the real issue. The things they were to abstain from would not change the believer's standing with God in Christ Jesus, but these things would distract the brethren from worshipping Christ. For the believer, the issue must never rest in the outward. Please do not misunderstand me. The believer's chief desire is to conduct ourselves in a manner which is becoming to the gospel of our Redeemer. The sin of our flesh is against our Savior alone. It distracts us from Christ, as well as our brethren. That is why we abhor it and desire to abstain from all appearance of evil. (I Thess. 5: 22.) But the issue is a heart matter--a new spirit, a new creature (Gal 5: 6; 6: 15.) In the new man we worship Christ in spirit. Our fellowship with our brethren is a spiritual fellowship. The flesh still profits nothing (John 3: 6.) We must remember that as we strive to abstain from the flesh and also as we see our brethren sin; let us not judge after the flesh--whether of ourselves or others (John 7: 24; 8: 14.) If I fail or I succeed, I must remember my completeness is in Christ, not my flesh; if I see you appear to succeed or fail in the flesh I must remember the same (2 Cor 5: 14-17; Col 2: 10; I John 4: 17.)

SOVEREIGN GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH Of Princeton, New Jersey

LOCATION & TELEPHONE
Rocky Hill Firehouse, 2nd floor
150 Washington Street, Rocky Hill, NJ, 08553
Pastor's Telephone: 615-513-4464

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
Sunday 10 AM Bible Class
11 AM Morning Worship
Thursday 7:00 PM Mid-week Service
(The first Sunday of each month, morning worship begins at 10am followed by observing the Lord's Table. Afterwards we have lunch together.)