November 10th, 2024
Are you blessed to wake up in beautiful Sarasota in the fall? Breathe in the awesome presence of the Lord and prepare your heart for worship with your SBC church family. Plan on joining your church family for A NIGHT OF WORSHIP at 6 p.m.; we will also be celebrating baptism.
Let’s prayerfully read & reflect on 1 Corinthians chapter 8. Using the H.E.A.R. method, what are some words or phrases that are highlighted to you? How would you explain them to a friend? What application can you make to your life? What heart response can you have to God at the point of His Word?
Let’s zoom into V. 1 b – “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”
In the 1st century church, the division of believers was over “food sacrificed to idols.” Should a Christian eat this or should they not? The apostle Paul states the decision to eat or not to eat is a matter of conscience, not a command. If what we eat or drink could harm our ability to represent Jesus well, then it’s better to avoid eating or drinking.
So instead of asking, “Am I allowed to do this?” a better question to ask is, “Will this build others up?” Because when we put others first, we use our freedom in a way that honors Jesus and doesn’t cause others to stumble.
Prayerfully Reflect:
Let’s prayerfully read & reflect on 1 Corinthians chapter 8. Using the H.E.A.R. method, what are some words or phrases that are highlighted to you? How would you explain them to a friend? What application can you make to your life? What heart response can you have to God at the point of His Word?
Let’s zoom into V. 1 b – “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”
- “Knowledge puffs up” – From Jesus’ earthly ministry, who was guilty of being puffed up with knowledge? What do you think of the religious leaders? They knew a lot of the Bible and preached a lot of the Bible, but their knowledge left them arrogant and condescending.
- “Love builds up.” Who does this make you think of? Yes, Jesus! Reflect on ways that Jesus’ love has built you up and encouraged you.
In the 1st century church, the division of believers was over “food sacrificed to idols.” Should a Christian eat this or should they not? The apostle Paul states the decision to eat or not to eat is a matter of conscience, not a command. If what we eat or drink could harm our ability to represent Jesus well, then it’s better to avoid eating or drinking.
So instead of asking, “Am I allowed to do this?” a better question to ask is, “Will this build others up?” Because when we put others first, we use our freedom in a way that honors Jesus and doesn’t cause others to stumble.
Prayerfully Reflect:
- “Lord, search my heart. Are there any areas of my life I am using freedom to serve myself and hurt others?
- “Heavenly Father, one step I can take to begin putting others first is ___________________. Empower me of Your Spirit take this step, for I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen”
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