We The Church 6 - Dealing with Rights

Introduction

1 Co 10:23-24 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”

“Rights” - Lawful authority to do something.

“We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed , by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” DOI What happens though when you run over others in pursuit of your rights?

What are rights without love and true love is always willing to give up his/her rights for those they love.

1 Cor 6:7 “The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”

“Beneficial” - The best for the common good. Personal rights are sacrificed for the common good of everyone.

1 Co 12:7 “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

“Constructive” - to build up and strengthen.

1 Co 8:1 “Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.”

Consumption Rights

1 Co 10:31-33 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.”

Idol Meats - This was a huge debated all through New Testament about whether it was ok to eat food sacrificed to idols. Some Jewish legalists said no as well as converted Greeks who used to sacrifice to idols. It bothered their new convictions in Christ. Others had no problems. Paul answer is that it is ok as long as it isn’t putting a stumbling block to Christian’s spiritual growth. (1 Co 8)

Worship Consumption - this deals with idolatry and worship

Some would like to apply this to alcohol question and perhaps there are some parallels but this is deeper than that. This had to do with idolatry and worship.

An equivalent argument might be worship wars in churches. Perhaps the idea that introducing certain elements into our worship experiencing would make it idolatry.

Focus on God and others is the answer.

God’s Glory (31)- God’s glory must be paramount in this discussion of idolatry and worship instead of our personal preferences.

Other’s Growth (32) - A close second much like it is our concern for our brothers and sisters connection to God instead of our own comfort and cultural preferences. Stumbling shows a picture of a young weaker Christian learning to walk.

Sacrificing Rights

1 Co 9:19-23 “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

Paul and Culture - Consider all the cultures of Mediterranean

Paul sacrificed his rights to his cultural preferences

Without embracing the legalism of the Jews (Gal 5:1) or paganism of the Gentiles. (Gal 5:13)

Embrace Freedom

John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Sacrifice Freedom

Ro 6:18 “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”

Conclusion

Where would we be if Jesus didn’t sacrifice His rights for us?