"Stumbling Blocks" (Part 1)

Consideration

Imagine I get on a public bus and sit on an aisle seat with my legs comfortably stretched out into the aisle. When someone else gets on the bus and walks down the aisle, what do you think I might do. Why? Consideration.

This is what Paul is calling us to here. Consideration of others.

Good Judgment

“Decide” (v. 13) - same as judgment, determine, conclude

Not about others, but about yourself in relation to others.

That’s what the larger context is - our relationship with others in light of our relationship with Christ.

What should we decide? (vv. 13-14)

What does this mean? (v. 13)

“Stumbling block” - a cause for tripping

“Hindrance” - a trap or temptation

What does this apply to? (v. 14)

To our example above.

Which is anything that someone thinks is sinful, but really is not.

“Unclean” - commonly used for food restricted by the law (Acts 10:14–15; Acts 11:8–9).

This was a radical perspective change for someone like Paul.

Paul’s statement here could give proof for those who eat anything...

But, there’s another reason why eating anything can be wrong in this example.

There’s a principle in this - we should consider how we influence others.

Why should we decide this? (vv. 15-16)

Food is not more important than love (v. 15)

“Grieved”/ “hurt” - distressed; “destroy” - damage

These must be interpreted with help from the context (v. 14 and v. 23).

This is a way to walk/live in tune with loving your neighbor has yourself.

So this is a way the something good could be evil (v. 16).

By how it obviously affects someone else.

It can only be spoken on as evil in how it affects others, since it cannot be legitimately be spoken of as evil in and of itself.

What is more important? (vv. 17-18)

The kingdom of God (v. 17)

God’s rule and reign which we should exalt, which we benefit from.

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

What we can have in this world (eating and drinking) does not compare to what we have in Christ.

Romans 3:22 “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:”

Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Romans 5:5 “and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Living for Christ includes living for people (v. 18).

“Acceptable...” - pleasing; “approved...” - respectable

This is a case when they are not at odds, but go together.

Consider the person by comparison to the freedom.

Which is more important?

Benediction: Romans 16:25–27

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1–13