RTW November 20
Note: I said the wrong date… It really is November 20th.
Be Careful
But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.
1 Corinthians 8:9
My Takeaways
Something Old
Something New
Movies. Drinking alcohol. Playing cards. Music. TV. These are some of the “meat issues” modern Christians face. We have a responsibility to follow the Spirit’s leading in our life. If our conscience counsels us to abstain, then we should abstain. What we abstain from may be the weakness of some we know, and rather than causing them to stumble, we can lift them up.
The conversation is about so much more than meat. It’s about the holiness of God’s people, and the strong exhorting the weak. We give up our rights and look out for the body of Christ.
Something to Do
Think about the church before making decisions about about modern-day “meat” issues.
1 Cor 8:1-3 is what stood out to me today. Knowledge about things and Gods Word can make me feel important but it is love that really matters. Love is what strengthens the church. Love for God is what God will recognize and use. When I come with my knowledge and pride I can turn people away from God or cause disunity among believers. But when I come with a deep love for God and then mix in my knowledge people are drawn to God for salvation and believers are unified and strengthened. No one likes to listen to a ‘know it all’ who is prideful and wanting to be exalted for their knowledge. God, help me not be that way with my knowledge. Help me to have such a love for You that You are what people see in me and You are who they are drawn to when they are with me. I want You to recognize me because I love You.
My Takeaways: Growing Other Believers
Something Old: 1Corinthians 10:23 “‘You say, ‘I’m not allowed to do anything’ –but not everything is good for you. You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’– but not everything is beneficial.”‘ In other words, Christians have differing thoughts, opinions, even convictions about certain issues (smoking, drinking, tatoos, entertainment, diet, etc.) The Bible really doesn’t tell me what is right or wrong when it comes to these certain issues. So I am free to follow my conscience and establish my own convictions. But as a Christian, Paul warns me not to misuse my freedom and cause others to stumble. When it comes to certain issues God’s glory must be my top priority. Thinking about the good for others must always come first over my own good. My actions should never harm or contradict my beliefs, the influence I may have on others, or upset the Gospel message. I must always extend liberty and grace to everyone.
Something New: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 I love these teachings of Paul’s. Just think Paul wrote these words almost 2,000 years ago and they still have truth and meaning today. Races are still ran today. Athletes are still around, receiving top prizes of high salaries. Nothing has changed. Paul’s sports analogy for faith brings it right to my level of understanding in todays world. I love it. Just like a race requires purpose and discipline a Christian’s life takes a lot of hard work, a lot of practice and a lot of self-discipline. I have entered the race for my eternal prize, my heavenly reward. My training must be a purposeful, on going plan. A self-discipline daily workout of Bible study, worship and prayer. I’m in the race. I’m running to win and inviting others to join the race with me.
Something To Do: Pray that the exercise of my freedom in Christ does not become a stumbling block to weaker believers. Pray that my life and actions grow other believers to be more godly in character and lifestyle.