January 29, 2012
Scripture: I Corinthians 8:1-13
Sermon: “My Brother’s Keeper”
Chapters 8-10 of I Corinthians center on eating food that had been offered to idols. The basic issue the Christians of Corinth were confronted with was how far does Christian freedom go in regard to behavior not specifically forbidden in Scripture? These passages help us to explore how to apply the wisdom of God to our everyday living.
There are two truths we learn from today’s passage of scripture:
1. Christian Liberty. II Corinthians 3:17 “Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.” When we turn to the Lord in repentance the veil of darkness and sin that once separated us from God is lifted. We are free to bold, daring, open and honest proclaiming and defending the gospel.
2. Christian Freedom ≠ Unbridled License. We are no longer under bondage to the world but it does not mean we have freedom to sin. Romans 6:1 “Are we to remain in sin in order that God’s grace may multiply and overflow? Certainly not!” I Peter 2:16 “Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as servants of God.” We don’t press the point of Christian freedom to the point that our behavior hurts community, dishonors God, and contradicts our identity as God’s servants.
We can be mature in our knowledge, but we are also called to be mature in love. Love should govern how we apply the knowledge. Love edifies and builds up. Knowledge without love makes one arrogant.
What principles can we apply to determine whether or not to participate in any behavior that is doubtful?
1. Excess – is the activity or habit necessary or is it merely an extra that is not really important?
2. Example – are we setting the right example for others, especially our weaker brothers and sisters?
3. Evangelism – is my testimony going to be helped or hindered. Will unbelievers be drawn to Christ or turned away from him by what I am doing?
4. Edification – will I be built up and matured in Christ? Will I become spiritually stronger?
5. Exaltation – will the Lord be lifted up and glorified in what I am doing?
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Reverend Angela A. Pleasants
First United Methodist Church
Mt. Holly, NC 28120
Phone: 704-827-4855
"It is blessed to eat into the very soul of the Bible until, at last, you come to talk in Scriptural language, and your spirit is flavored with the words of the Lord, so that your blood is bibline and the very essence of the Bible flows from you." `Charles Spurgeon`
