CHRISTMAS Missions Offering

1. CHRISTMASMissions Offering Our annual Christmas Missions Offering will be collected Dec 2. and 9. These funds go toward advancing the Kingdom of God all around the world. Last year New Hope raised $786. So this year our goal is to raise $1,500. So please begin prayerfully considering joining with us in giving to this!

2. Testimony Sandie Anderson withJosh & Amanda Barbe

4. Progress thus far… Essay #1 – Christian Unity (1 Cor. 1:10–4:16) Essay #2 – Christian Sexuality (1 Cor. 4:17-7:40) Essay #3 – Christian Freedom (1 Cor. 8-11:1)

5. Freedom & ethics 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

6. Ethics = rules of conduct for a particular group or culture; moral philosophy Freedom & ethics 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

7. Freedom = escape from restraint on personal wishes & desires (popular definition) Freedom & ethics 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

8. 1 Cor. 8:1a About food offered to idols:  Three layers of concern: • Should we eat any meat that has been offered to an idol? • Should we eat in pagan temple restaurants? • Should we participate in pagan worship rituals?

9. 1 Cor. 8:1b-3 We know that “we all have knowledge.”  Knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up. 2 If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.

10. 1 Cor. 8:1b-3 We know that “we all have knowledge.”  Knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up. 2 If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. True knowledge manifests itself in self-giving love

11. 1 Cor. 8:1b-3 We know that “we all have knowledge.”  Knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up. 2 If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. How wise & knowledgeable are you?

12. 1 Cor. 8:1b-3 We know that “we all have knowledge.”  Knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up. 2 If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. But remember that intellect is not the enemy of love!

13. 1 Cor. 8:4-6 4 About eating food offered to idols, then, we know that “an idol is nothing in the world,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “lords”—6 yet for us there is one God, the Father. All things are from Him, and we exist for Him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through Him, and we exist through Him.

14. 1 Cor. 8:4-6 4 About eating food offered to idols, then, we know that “an idol is nothing in the world,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “lords”—6 yet for us there is one God, the Father. All things are from Him, and we exist for Him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through Him, and we exist through Him. Idols are powerless

15. 1 Cor. 8:4-6 4 About eating food offered to idols, then, we know that “an idol is nothing in the world,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “lords”—6 yet for us there is one God, the Father. All things are from Him, and we exist for Him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through Him, and we exist through Him. There is only one true God

16. 1 Cor. 8:7 7 However, not everyone has this knowledge. In fact, some have been so used to idolatry up until now that when they eat food offered to an idol, their conscience, being weak, is defiled.

17. 1 Cor. 8:7 7 However, not everyone has this knowledge. In fact, some have been so used to idolatry up until now that when they eat food offered to an idol, their conscience, being weak, is defiled. How should we relate to believers whose consciences struggle with fully fleshing out & understanding these truths?

18. 1 Cor. 8:7 7 However, not everyone has this knowledge. In fact, some have been so used to idolatry up until now that when they eat food offered to an idol, their conscience, being weak, is defiled. • Jerusalem Council (49 AD) • Prompted by passionate debate and disagreement about what to require of Gentiles who converted to Christ

19. Acts 15:19-21 19 Therefore, in my (Peter) judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but instead we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For since ancient times, Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city, and every Sabbath day he is read aloud in the synagogues.”

20. Acts 15:19-21 19 Therefore, in my (Peter) judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but instead we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For since ancient times, Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city, and every Sabbath day he is read aloud in the synagogues.” Don’t make them change cultures

21. Acts 15:19-21 19 Therefore, in my (Peter) judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but instead we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For since ancient times, Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city, and every Sabbath day he is read aloud in the synagogues.” They should abstain from things that will hinder their growth in Christ

22. Acts 15:19-21 19 Therefore, in my (Peter) judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but instead we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For since ancient times, Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city, and every Sabbath day he is read aloud in the synagogues.” They should abstain from things that will drive a wedge between them & Jewish background believers

23. Acts 15:19-21 19 Therefore, in my (Peter) judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but instead we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For since ancient times, Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city, and every Sabbath day he is read aloud in the synagogues.” 1 Corinthians written 7 years later in the spring of 56 A.D.

24. 1 Cor. 8:8-13 8 Food will not make us acceptable to God. We are not inferior if we don’t eat, and we are not better if we do eat. 9 But be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone sees you, the one who has this knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, won’t his weak conscience be encouraged to eat food offered to idols? 11 Then the weak person, the brother for whom Christ died, is ruined by your

25. 1 Cor. 8:8-13 knowledge. 12 Now when you sin like this against the brothers and wound their weak conscience, you are sinning against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to fall, I will never again eat meat, so that I won’t cause my brother to fall.

26. Key Points Our godliness is in no way defined by what we eat or don’t eat • 8 Food will not make us acceptable to God. We are not inferior if we don’t eat, and we are not better if we do eat. • Mark 7:18b-20  Don’t you realize that nothing going into a man from the outside can defile him? 19 For it doesn’t go into his heart but into the stomach and is eliminated.” (As a result, He made all foods clean.) 20 Then He said, “What comes out of a person—that defiles him. 

27. Key Points Our godliness is defined by self-giving love • 9 But be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak.  • The ultimate concern must not be “what are our rights”, but rather “how can we best love others.”

28. Key Points His specific concern for the Corinthians is that they not mislead new believers back into a life of bondage to idolatry • 10 For if someone sees you, the one who has this knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, won’t his weak conscience be encouraged to eat food offered to idols? 11 Then the weak person, the brother for whom Christ died, is ruined by your knowledge. • The “weak” in this context were those who could handle less freedom…

29. Key Points Our attitude in this area is a big deal! • 12 Now when you sin like this against the brothers and wound their weak conscience, you are sinning against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to fall, I will never again eat meat, so that I won’t cause my brother to fall. • A cavalier attitude is not impressive!!! • The impressive attitude is that of the person who eagerly gives up his/her freedoms in Christ in order to help another to grow & mature in Christ.

30. 1 Cor. 10:14,19-21 14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. . . 19 What am I saying then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, but I do say that what they sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. I do not want you to participate with demons! 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot share in the Lord’s table and the table of demons.

31. 1 Cor. 10:14,19-21 14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. . . 19 What am I saying then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, but I do say that what they sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. I do not want you to participate with demons! 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot share in the Lord’s table and the table of demons. Do NOT participate in idol worship services!!!

32. What about eating in other areas? 1 Cor. 10:23-33

33. What about eating in other areas? 1 Cor. 10:23-33

34. What about eating in other areas? Driving Principle – Seek whatever will help the other embrace Christ • 1 Cor. 10:23-2423 “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything builds up. 24 No one should seek his own good, but the good of the other person. • 1 Cor. 10:32-33 32 Give no offense to the Jews or the Greeks or the church of God, 33 just as I also try to please all people in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, so that they may be saved.

35. What about eating in other areas? Supporting Principle #1 – Set your heart on glorifying the Lord regardless of the situation • 1 Cor. 10:25-2625 Eat everything that is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake, 26 for the earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it. • 1 Cor. 10:31 31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory.

36. What about eating in other areas? Supporting Principle #2 – Live out grace & gratefulness before unbelievers • 1 Cor. 10:2727 If one of the unbelievers invites you over and you want to go, eat everything that is set before you, without raising questions of conscience. • 1 Cor. 10:29b-30 For why is my freedom judged by another person’s conscience? 30 If I partake with thanks, why am I slandered because of something I give thanks for?

37. What about eating in other areas? Driving Principle Applied – Choose love when priorities are in conflict • 1 Cor. 10:28-29a28 But if someone says to you, “This is food offered to an idol,” do not eat it, out of consideration for the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake. 29 I do not mean your own conscience, but the other person’s.

38. What about eating in other areas? Driving Principle Applied – Choose love when priorities are in conflict • 1 Cor. 10:28-29a28 But if someone says to you, “This is food offered to an idol,” do not eat it, out of consideration for the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake. 29 I do not mean your own conscience, but the other person’s. “Wait a minute. Paul seems to be saying that there is not a clear right and wrong answer to situations like this!”

39. What about eating in other areas? Driving Principle Applied – Choose love when priorities are in conflict • 1 Cor. 10:28-29a28 But if someone says to you, “This is food offered to an idol,” do not eat it, out of consideration for the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake. 29 I do not mean your own conscience, but the other person’s. Paul is promoting situational ethics

40. Outside God’s will Within God’s will Moral Absolutes

41. Moral gray area Matters of Conscience Outside God’s will Moral Absolutes

42. Moral gray area Matters of Conscience Outside God’s will Freedom Moral Absolutes

43. Thoughts Gray areas are different for each individual • Could be conviction from the Lord • Could be from confusion & misunderstanding Since it is hard to tell the difference, we should respect one another’s convictions while also dialoguing Matters of personal conscience should not be imposed upon others

44. Bad Ethics • Because we are so worried about proving our own righteousness, and… • Because we are so worried about evaluating others & their choices… • We are SOOOOOO worried about and driven nuts by gray areas…just to be safe…

45. Moral gray area Matters of Conscience Outside God’s will Freedom Moral Absolutes

46. Moral gray area New ARBITRARY Absolutes Outside God’s will Freedom Moral Absolutes

47. Dangers of Arbitrary Absolutes • Fear of messing up leads to withdrawal from the world’s people • Fear of judgment from other believers leads to withdrawal from the world’s people • Loss of real friendships with unbelievers • Creation of Christian sub-culture • Unbelievers get hurt via loss of former friends • Cultural baggage is added to the Gospel • People get really confused about what it means to be a Christian

48. Dangers of Arbitrary Absolutes • Fear of messing up leads to withdrawal from the world’s people • Fear of judgment from other believers leads to withdrawal from the world’s people • Loss of real friendships with unbelievers • Creation of Christian sub-culture • Unbelievers get hurt via loss of former friends • Cultural baggage is added to the Gospel • People get really confused about what it means to be a Christian Lose Grace!

49. Dangers of Unrestricted Freedom (in gray areas) • We trample on weaker brothers & sisters • What we seek to do in moderation & wisdom others do in excess • Can lose true freedom through excess & addiction • Some can draw the conclusion that there are no moral absolutes • Especially if our attitude is cavalier and flippant