1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1- “Our Responsibility with Christian Liberties”

Jon Beck

My sermon notes for Sunday morning, July 3rd.  Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. They are provided as an outline each week for our Tabernacle Church family. The church provides a live stream of the service each Sunday at 10:30 on Facebook. We also provide the services through YouTube by Sunday afternoon.  You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources at our Church Website.

1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1

INTRO

  • Previously – 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 on May 8th
  • Then… meat sacrificed to idols
  • Now… the freedoms we have as Christians
  • How much freedom/Christian liberties do I have as Christian?
    • Legalisms – I have rules I must follow
    • License – I can do anything
  • What are we free to do?
  • I think we can ask ourselves a few questions to get to the right outcome.
    • What can I do?
    • What should I do?
    • Why am I doing it? (this helps us with the should)
    • How will it impact others? (this helps us with the should)

What can I do?

All things are lawful for me…v. 22a

  • Obviously, Scripture is the absolute in our decision making.
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • 2 Peter 1:3-4; 10
  • We should never go against what Scripture teaches.
    • Old Testament
    • New Testament
  • Our liberties are the decisions in the “gray” area…. where Scripture does not speak.

What should I do?

But not all things are helpful… not all things build up. v. 23

Remember, the thing we are “doing” is seen by others.  This is not just a personal decision between me and the Lord.  It is a decision that has public consequences.

You can, but should you?

  • Is it helpful (profitable)?
  • Does it buildup (edify)?
  • Will it build up?
  • Will it tear down?

Think about the impact it will have on you and on others.

  • At the end of the day, what is the benefit.
  • I ask myself this more as I have gotten a little older

v. 24 – Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

Two other questions that help with the SHOULD…

Why am I doing it?

The passion behind our decisions … the reason we do what we do

For Me or Others

What if we changed our WHY?????

  • Our life (purpose, passion) would change for all eternity.
  • Most of our why is self… rather than others.
    • Even with our liberties… we become self-serving and flaunt our freedoms in Christ.
    • We focus on our life, future, peace, and happiness

How will it impact others?

Build up others – v. 23

  • Sanctification

That they might be saved – v. 33

  • Salvation

vv. 32-33 – Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.  11-:1   Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Not seeking my own advantage

  • Just as Christ lived

Imitate me as I imitate Christ

  • What if we all lived in this way
  • I follow who is in front… ultimately Jesus
  • Example, after Example, after Example

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