"Planning the Good Life"
TEXTS: 1 Cor. 8-9
TRUTHS:
1. The Bible was not specifically written to us, but it was written for us. Therefore, it takes some effort to discern what the Bible is saying in its proper context and how it applies to us now.
2. Every believer should consider how their freedom in Christ could possibly confuse others and cause them to be tempted. A believer may have liberty concerning a certain area of life, but openly and freely participating in that activity could cause another believer to be overly tempted and focused on a particularly sinful part of their past.
3. Followers of Christ should not look “crazy” to our culture. Non-believers should be able to look at our lives and say,” I think I could be/do that.” If we neglect to biblically and logically fit into our culture unbelievers may feel as if they could never be a follower of Christ. Additionally, we need to be careful that we live in such a way that makes the world think there isn’t a distinct difference between Christians and the unbelieving world.
4. Tithing is not used in the NT to describe the regular giving of finances to the local church God has called you to be a part of. The term “feeding the ox” is used to describe this practice. Why? (1) The Lord wants His people to know that all are priests and called to minister, (2) He doesn’t want anyone to think that they are trying to fulfill the law, and (3) He doesn’t want any minister to think that what is given is all theirs.
TALK TO EACH OTHER:
1. How can we discern what the Bible is saying if it is not written to us? What should we consider and think through when studying a text and trying to contextualize it?
2. What are some areas of Christian liberty that we should be wise and cautious about if we plan to participate in them before other people? What are some activities that could be considered “meat offered to idols” in our current culture?
3. In what ways should Christians be like our culture? In what ways should we be different?
TALK TO GOD:
Pray as you feel led concerning the following area(s):
- Help in understanding what "meat offered to idols" means in our cultural context
- That we navigate living in our culture with a wise, winsome, and biblical spirit
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