Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
Susan this is a chapter that contains a practice we are not familiar with, eating food sacrificed to idols. It's hard to identify with something that was a practice back in the Bible times. However, I do believe there is something in these words that is appropriate and applicable for us today.
I am focusing on v. 1. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
I have read several blogs lately that literally condemn and nullify the faith and practices of some Christians because they do not believe like the writer of the blog. I may be digressing here, but God has called us to be witnesses to Jesus Christ, going out into the world and preaching the Gospel. He has not called us to persuade others to our way of thinking and believing.
As for knowledge, we all claim to have knowledge of the Word and the things of God. If we "show that off" or insist that our knowledge is right and others are wrong, we are "puffed up" conceited and full of ourselves instead of the Lord.
Loving all fellow Christians and being sensitive to where they are in their Christian walk is what desires us to do. We share Christ and what He did for us on the cross. The Holy Spirit will guide them into truth.
Susan this is a chapter that contains a practice we are not familiar with, eating food sacrificed to idols. It's hard to identify with something that was a practice back in the Bible times. However, I do believe there is something in these words that is appropriate and applicable for us today.
I am focusing on v. 1. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
I have read several blogs lately that literally condemn and nullify the faith and practices of some Christians because they do not believe like the writer of the blog. I may be digressing here, but God has called us to be witnesses to Jesus Christ, going out into the world and preaching the Gospel. He has not called us to persuade others to our way of thinking and believing.
As for knowledge, we all claim to have knowledge of the Word and the things of God. If we "show that off" or insist that our knowledge is right and others are wrong, we are "puffed up" conceited and full of ourselves instead of the Lord.
Loving all fellow Christians and being sensitive to where they are in their Christian walk is what desires us to do. We share Christ and what He did for us on the cross. The Holy Spirit will guide them into truth.
Well said….INSIDE THE SHRINK!
Blessings to you x x
Well said….INSIDE THE SHRINK!
Blessings to you x x
Yes I agree: Loving all fellow Christians and being sensitive to where they are in their Christian walk…
The verse that stood out to me:
v.9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
However I think this needs to be taken in context. Sometimes Christians become so concerned about upseting other Christians that they walk around on egg shells, which I don't think the verse is saying. Some Christians (particularly those who have been a Christian for some years) need to learn not to get offended so easily.
Yes I agree: Loving all fellow Christians and being sensitive to where they are in their Christian walk…
The verse that stood out to me:
v.9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
However I think this needs to be taken in context. Sometimes Christians become so concerned about upseting other Christians that they walk around on egg shells, which I don't think the verse is saying. Some Christians (particularly those who have been a Christian for some years) need to learn not to get offended so easily.
I have been trying to think of something that parrellels with "eating food sacrificed to idols".
There are some things like going to night clubs etc. but that is not quite the same.
Personally I find some Christians struggle with the fact that from time to time I read New Age authors. I am curious person I'm interested to know how others think. On the other hand I struggle with some of the recreational reading/TV viewing I see some Christians read/view.
However even this doesn't fit with "…they think of it as having beeen sacrificed to a god…"
I guess the important thing is v.9 "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak."
I have been trying to think of something that parrellels with "eating food sacrificed to idols".
There are some things like going to night clubs etc. but that is not quite the same.
Personally I find some Christians struggle with the fact that from time to time I read New Age authors. I am curious person I'm interested to know how others think. On the other hand I struggle with some of the recreational reading/TV viewing I see some Christians read/view.
However even this doesn't fit with "…they think of it as having beeen sacrificed to a god…"
I guess the important thing is v.9 "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak."
Susan, would a paralell of eating meat sacrificed to idols be like buying and wearing leather knowing your friend, a new Christian is a serious animal rights activist?
Practicing Yoga meditation and confusing a new Christian by blurring boundaries between Christianity and Eastern Religion?
I'm trying to find paralells like you.
Susan, would a paralell of eating meat sacrificed to idols be like buying and wearing leather knowing your friend, a new Christian is a serious animal rights activist?
Practicing Yoga meditation and confusing a new Christian by blurring boundaries between Christianity and Eastern Religion?
I'm trying to find paralells like you.
I think the yoga example is a good one (not so sure about the belt thing).
I have a Christian friend who goes to yoga classes because she find the stretching exercises help her back. But she is discerning so she is not affected by the other stuff they talk about.
However, as you say, a new Christian thinking there's no problem with yoga, could blur the boundaries between Christianity and Eastern Religion.
I think the yoga example is a good one (not so sure about the belt thing).
I have a Christian friend who goes to yoga classes because she find the stretching exercises help her back. But she is discerning so she is not affected by the other stuff they talk about.
However, as you say, a new Christian thinking there's no problem with yoga, could blur the boundaries between Christianity and Eastern Religion.
v.13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.
So strong was Paul's conviction to do the "loving thing" rather than the "freedom thing" he was willing to give up meat forever!
In time the weaker brother will learn that their relationship with God brings freedom in all areas of their life but in the meantime we are to be sensitive to where they are at.
So even when we are right in our knowledge the bigger priority is to be loving.
v.13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.
So strong was Paul's conviction to do the "loving thing" rather than the "freedom thing" he was willing to give up meat forever!
In time the weaker brother will learn that their relationship with God brings freedom in all areas of their life but in the meantime we are to be sensitive to where they are at.
So even when we are right in our knowledge the bigger priority is to be loving.