Misused/Abused Freedom
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· 11 viewsFreedom in Christ is a sacred treasure - embrace it in the way He intended, not only for your benefit, for for the benefit of fellow believers.
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
The Apostle Paul had his hands full as he attempted to disciple and develop the churches he planted. They all faced unique challenges, most stemming from their cultural and religious contexts
The church at Corinth needed much instruction from Paul in order to keep them on the path of freedom in Christ, balanced with the very real problem of sin and compromise that surrounded them…especially as it related to the many religions in their society.
The church at Corinth needed much instruction from Paul in order to keep them on the path of freedom in Christ in balance with the very real problem of sin and compromise that surrounded them…especially as it related to the many religions in their society.
In chapter 8 of 1 Corinthians (as well as other places in the letter) Paul addressed their questions regarding meat offered to idols. Should believers be allowed to eat it or not? Should they be allowed to attend banquets at the temples of such idols? (expand)
7 In strict logic, then, nothing happened to the meat when it was offered up to an idol. It’s just like any other meat. I know that, and you know that. But knowing isn’t everything. If it becomes everything, some people end up as know-it-alls who treat others as know-nothings. Real knowledge isn’t that insensitive. We need to be sensitive to the fact that we’re not all at the same level of understanding in this. Some of you have spent your entire lives eating “idol meat,” and are sure that there’s something bad in the meat that then becomes something bad inside of you. An imagination and conscience shaped under those conditions isn’t going to change overnight. 8 But fortunately God doesn’t grade us on our diet. We’re neither commended when we clean our plate nor reprimanded when we just can’t stomach it. 9 But God does care when you use your freedom carelessly in a way that leads a fellow believer still vulnerable to those old associations to be thrown off track.
11 Christ gave up his life for that person. Wouldn’t you at least be willing to give up going to dinner for him—because, as you say, it doesn’t really make any difference? But it does make a difference if you hurt your friend terribly, risking his eternal ruin! 12 When you hurt your friend, you hurt Christ. A free meal here and there isn’t worth it at the cost of even one of these “weak ones.” 13 So, never go to these idol-tainted meals if there’s any chance it will trip up one of your brothers or sisters.
12 When you hurt your friend, you hurt Christ. A free meal here and there isn’t worth it at the cost of even one of these “weak ones.” 13 So, never go to these idol-tainted meals if there’s any chance it will trip up one of your brothers or sisters.
Does it matter, one way or the another, what happened in ancient Corinth? When was the last time you went to a banquet in the temple of a false god and ate a big juicy steak that had been offered to an idol?
1 Corinthians 8
1 The question keeps coming up regarding meat that has been offered up to an idol: Should you attend meals where such meat is served, or not? We sometimes tend to think we know all we need to know to answer these kinds of questions—2 but sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds. 3 We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all.
4 Some people say, quite rightly, that idols have no actual existence, that there’s nothing to them, that there is no God other than our one God, 5 that no matter how many of these so-called gods are named and worshiped they still don’t add up to anything but a tall story. 6 They say—again, quite rightly—that there is only one God the Father, that everything comes from him, and that he wants us to live for him. Also, they say that there is only one Master—Jesus the Messiah—and that everything is for his sake, including us. Yes. It’s true.
7 In strict logic, then, nothing happened to the meat when it was offered up to an idol. It’s just like any other meat. I know that, and you know that. But knowing isn’t everything. If it becomes everything, some people end up as know-it-alls who treat others as know-nothings. Real knowledge isn’t that insensitive.
We need to be sensitive to the fact that we’re not all at the same level of understanding in this. Some of you have spent your entire lives eating “idol meat,” and are sure that there’s something bad in the meat that then becomes something bad inside of you. An imagination and conscience shaped under those conditions isn’t going to change overnight.
8 But fortunately God doesn’t grade us on our diet. We’re neither commended when we clean our plate nor reprimanded when we just can’t stomach it. 9 But God does care when you use your freedom carelessly in a way that leads a fellow believer still vulnerable to those old associations to be thrown off track.
10 For instance, say you flaunt your freedom by going to a banquet thrown in honor of idols, where the main course is meat sacrificed to idols. Isn’t there great danger if someone still struggling over this issue, someone who looks up to you as knowledgeable and mature, sees you go into that banquet? The danger is that he will become terribly confused—maybe even to the point of getting mixed up himself in what his conscience tells him is wrong.
11 Christ gave up his life for that person. Wouldn’t you at least be willing to give up going to dinner for him—because, as you say, it doesn’t really make any difference? But it does make a difference if you hurt your friend terribly, risking his eternal ruin! 12 When you hurt your friend, you hurt Christ. A free meal here and there isn’t worth it at the cost of even one of these “weak ones.” 13 So, never go to these idol-tainted meals if there’s any chance it will trip up one of your brothers or sisters.
Why does it matter, one way or the another, what happened in ancient Corinth? When was the last time you went to a banquet in the temple of a false god and ate a big juicy steak that had been offered to an idol?
Okay…let’s put it in terms we are more familiar with. When was the last time you went to a big family reunion (or other event) where the alcohol was more plentiful than water or soda pop? Or, a concert where a lot of people seem to be smoking pot or taking in some other questionable substances? Maybe just a backyard BBQ — people are drinking, telling really crass jokes, spewing out really bad language?
You have probably never done that because it doesn’t happen in our culture. When is the last time you went to a big family reunion where the alcohol was more plentiful than water or soda pop? Or, a concert where a lot of people seem to be smoking pot or taking in some other questionable substances? Maybe just a backyard BBQ — people are drinking, telling really crass jokes, spewing out really bad language?
You can say, “ I am a strong follower of Christ. I am not tempted by those things. I don’t like some of it. But I can be in the world and not of it, because I know who I am in Christ. I have freedom in Him — so I can go into those situations and be salt and light. I can be a witness in the middle of all of that. Besides, I like the music — I love being around those people — and, let’s be honest, since I know what it means to be free in Christ, I can drink a beer or smoke b/c I know better than to get drunk or addicted.”
Yes…when Christ saves us…He sets us free from bondage to sin and other things such as strict religious rules and regulations that have nothing to do with His grace.
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
We don’t have places where they sacrifice burnt offerings to idols…but there are plenty of idols in our culture: activities, substances, and other pursuits that take the place of the one true God in peoples’ lives.
We don’t have places where they sacrifice burnt offerings to idols…but there are plenty of idols in our culture: activities, substances, and other pursuits that take the place of the one true God in peoples’ lives.
Yes…when Christ saves us…He sets us free from bondage to sin and bondage to other things such as strict religious rules and regulations that have nothing to do with His grace.
However, let us never forget: the freedom we have in Christ came at an extremely high price…the blood of Jesus — His very life. Our freedom is a treasure…let us not misuse it.
Big Idea: Freedom in Christ is a sacred treasure - embrace it in the way He intended, not only for your benefit, but for the benefit of fellow believers.
Big Idea: Freedom in Christ is a sacred treasure - embrace it in the way He intended, not only for your benefit, for for the benefit of fellow believers.
Transitional: Our “freedom” is not meant to be a stumbling block to other brothers and sisters
FREEDOM IN CHRIST REJECTS SPIRITUAL PRIDE
FREEDOM IN CHRIST REJECTS SPIRITUAL PRIDE
Exposition
1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.
1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. 2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know.
1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? 2 Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
What knowledge did the the more mature believers possess? The doctrine of liberty and grace that comes from knowing Jesus.
1 Cor 9:1
What knowledge did the the more mature believers possess? The doctrine of liberty and grace that comes from knowing Jesus.
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
What knowledge did the the more mature believers possess? The doctrine of liberty and grace that comes from knowing Jesus.
The freedom they now experienced in Christ was (and is) amazing…the chains were broken and they could freely trust in Christ and serve Him by the power of the Holy Spirit instead of trying to be holy in their own strength.
However...set free followers of Christ are still human…still prone to becoming insensitive, selfish, and just plain clueless at times
Knowledge without love leads to pride
Knowledge without love leads to pride
They foolishly assumed that just because they could eat meat offered to idols with a clear conscience didn’t mean they should
6 Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living? 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink the milk?
6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 7 But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled.
Knowledge with love builds up
Knowledge with love builds up
Knowledge with love builds up
Knowledge with love builds up
13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.
Application
...the strong must always act towards the weak with consideration and Christian love. In cases like the one dealt with here the strong must adapt their behaviour to the conscience of the weak. No good purpose is served by asserting their ‘rights’
Morris, L. (1985). 1 Corinthians: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 7, p. 130). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
One big red flag to watch out for is when you begin making shallow and desperate excuses for what is, in reality, sin…and you know it.
Morris, L. (1985). 1 Corinthians: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 7, p. 130). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Our freedom is a gift from God — we are meant to enjoy that freedom
Each person must determine within their own heart as they seek the Lord and His Word , how they should live their life in this world —
Our freedom is a gift from God — we are meant to enjoy that freedom while giving generous consideration to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We are meant to use wisdom, discernment…and especially LOVE to enable us to use our freedom in the right way, in order to bless our younger brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Transitional: Freedom in Christ is real…but we can easily get out of sync with God’s purposes and stumble into the traps of the enemy…namely compromise…bit by bit.
FREEDOM IN CHRIST REJECTS SPIRITUAL COMPROMISE
FREEDOM IN CHRIST REJECTS SPIRITUAL COMPROMISE
Spiritual compromise can go from one extreme to the other
Living a completely legalistic life in an attempt to make sure you get to Heaven
Living a dangerously compromised life, using the excuse that you are under grace and therefore can live however you want
Either extreme places a wall between you and the Lord - because you are relying on your own knowledge or ideas instead of following the way of grace through Jesus.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Freedom in Christ compels you to love others
Freedom in Christ compels you to love others
Freedom in Christ compels you to love others
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Your love (or lack of love) for fellow believers will be clearly evident
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
Galatians 5:
…spiritual compromise can cause you to be proud of your knowledge but oblivious to the love of Christ that should be working in you to encourage others.
Freedom in Christ empowers you to live holy lives
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
Paul reminds the Galatian believers in verses 19-21 of the types of actions that do not please the Lord: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, jealousy, strife, temper tantrums, selfish lifestyle....drunkenness, and the like.
He makes it very clear that people living that kind of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Gal 5:24
Application
Does your freedom in Christ compel and convict you to love people and to live a holy life by the power of the Holy Spirit
Challenge
Salt Illustration (Francis Chan)
In , we find Jesus speaking very clearly about what it costs to follow Him
Hate father and mother, wife and children
Take up your cross and follow me
When you build a tower…you count the cost before you build it
King going to war evaluates how many troops he has compared to the battle ahead
And then…it seems like He throws a random thought into the mix…but things are never random with Jesus
34 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
packet of salt
big container of “dead” salt
Salt with no taste is worth less than dirt — less than manure
Dirt is actually good — but flavorless salt can mess up my dirt
Manure is actually good — but flavorless salt can mess up the manure
“Hey many get out of my manure, you are ruining it!”
To be effective followers of Christ (salt and light):
Love for Jesus and others is the key
A willingness to give up personal desires and/or possessions in order to help disciple and nurture fellow believers
Remember that you are saved by His grace, not your works
In your freedom…do not become a stumbling block
In your freedom…remember to count the cost of following Jesus
In your freedom…don’t make excuses for sinful thoughts and actions.