July 16, 2010, 1 Corinthians 8

Key Verse:

⁹Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. ¹⁰For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? ¹¹So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. ¹²When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. ¹³Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

(1 Corinthians 8:9-13 )

Central Truth:

All things are permissible but maybe not beneficial . . . .


THIS BUD MAY NOT BE FOR YOU


I think this chapter is best explained this way....

Alcohol for some is a sin. For others, it's O.K. However, in our southern, Bible-belt rich culture, the majority would say it's inappropriate for a believer to partake in such a beverage. Now, before you get all excited, I'm not going to fight for or against drinking a brew. But, I will try to shed some light on it based on what Paul says in this passage. Here it is . . . .


Alcohol and the consumption of it will not send you to hell. However, in the presence of some, it may cause them to stumble. In the presence of some, it may destroy your witness. In the presence of some, it may cause them to discredit your faith. In the presence of some, it may cause them to be uncomfortable. In the presence of some, it may cause them to relapse on their sobriety.

Therefore, though some things may be permissible in some situations, it may not be beneficial.