lesson #8

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LESSON #8 THE LIMITS OF CHRISTIAN LIBERTY Principle: Love must govern our Christian liberty.

1 Cor. 8:1-13

Use this lesson outline to record your notes as you watch the Lesson 8 video.

I.

WE ALL POSSESS KNOWLEDGE • Love sets the limits on Christian liberty.

8:1-3

II. IDOLS ARE NOT REAL AND THERE IS NO GOD BUT ONE • Love is not willing to cause another believer to violate his conscience.

III. FOOD DOES NOT DEFILE US BEFORE GOD 8:8-13 • Love gladly gives up one’s rights, for another’s welfare.

8:4-7

2nd page

Checklist for Questionable Practices 1. Excess – Is the activity or habit necessary or merely an extra that is not really important? Possibly an encumbrance we should willingly give up – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance that race marked out for us.” Heb. 12:1 2. Expediency – Is it helpful, useful, or only desirable, what I want to do – at any cost to another? “All things are permissible, but not all things are beneficial.” 1 Cor 6:12 – 3. Emulation – If we are doing what Christ would do, our action not only is permissible but good and right. “The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” 1 Jn 2:6 4. Example – Are we setting the right example for others, especially for weaker brothers and sisters? If we emulate Christ, others will be able to emulate us, to follow our example. “Train yourself to be godly.” I Tim 4:12 5. Evangelism – Is my testimony going to be helped or hindered by my action? Will unbelievers be drawn to Christ or turned away from Him by what I am doing? Will it help me conduct myself “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” Col 4:5 6. Exaltation – Will the Lord be lifted up and glorified in what I do? God’s glory and exaltation should be the supreme purpose behind everything we do. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31 The John MacArthur New Testament Commentary

LESSON #9 THE LIMITS OF LIBERTY, PART II 1 Corinthians 9:1-11:1 Subject: Paul illustrates and applies the Christian’s responsibility in disputable matters. Please answer these lesson questions for next week prior to watching the Lesson 9 video.

Review 1. Was there anything brought out in the lecture or discussion group which helped you in seeing another viewpoint in the area of disputable matters?

Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14

Paul’s rights as an apostle

Paul now illustrates from his own life the principle which he explained in chapter 8 and, by his illustration, he moves far beyond simply the issue of eating or not eating idolatrous sacrifices. What should be the Christian’s attitude in any area concerning disputable matters?

2. What “proof” does Paul give of his authentic apostleship in verses 1 and 2? All during his ministry there were those who would call his ministry into question.

3.

After proving his apostleship, Paul then states his rights as an apostle. What were they?

4. Look for the various arguments Paul gives for his right to financial support in his ministry.

Read 1 Corinthians 9:15-27 Paul’s example as an apostle 5. How did Paul choose not to act on what was his right as an apostle?

6.

What are the two reasons Paul states for his refusal to act on his right?

7. Can you explain the three ways Paul was willing to adjust his living in order that the gospel he gave out would not be hindered in verses 19-23?

8. What does Paul do to insure that his ministry not become fruitless? How does his action apply to us and our spiritual fruitfulness?

9.

Contrast Paul’s motivation for all he does with your own.

Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-11:1 Paul’s application 10. What were the specific blessings Paul mentioned that were Israel’s?

11. How does Paul use Israel’s history to warn the Corinthian Christians? What sins of Israel does Paul cite and what were the consequences (if given)?

12. What is the great warning and the encouragement for God’s people of any age?

13. With what principles does Paul conclude his teaching on disputable matters?

14. When in question, what is the “bottom line” that should determine our behavior?

Reflection and Personal Application 15. How does your life (your thinking, attitude or behavior) need to change in order to comply with Paul’s teaching on disputable matters?