TEXT: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
QUESTIONS:
- Sterling shared how some of the churches he attended growing up made it their point to tell him what was acceptable and what was forbidden. Discuss some of your experiences?
- Everyone has the freedom to choose. Is it okay to have a glass of wine or enjoy a beer?
- Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-33. In this passage, Paul makes several references to what the Christian’s conscience will allow him to partake in as Christian liberty. Stated another way, as a follower of Jesus, your faith and relationship with God is not tested or hindered by engaging in these activities. If this is the case, discuss how our liberty can be turned into a point of contention with other believers.
- Why do you believe that some areas, especially the area of alcohol, have been such areas of contentions for Christians over the years?
- Webster’s defines Legalism as: “Strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code <the institutionalized legalism that restricts free choice>”. Paul doesn’t come right out and define legalism in the passage, but he certainly alludes to it.
- Have you ever experienced legalism?
- Have you ever experienced its influence in a church?
- How do you think Paul would have responded to your specific experience?
- Throughout the passage Paul outlines several ways that we can keep our Christian liberty in perspective. See Sterlings “How Free is Your Freedom” list in the worship guide. Discuss each of these ways, sharing how you can live them out practically in your own life.
Daily Bible Readings for the week of 3/08/2015:
Day 1: Galatians 5:16-18
Day 2: James 1:19-27
Day 3: Romans 13
Day 4: Psalm 119:41-48
Day 5: Job 27:1-6
Day 6: 1 Peter 2:13-17
Day 7: Romans 15:2-6