Why Can’t I Do What I Want
Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-3
Today’s Truth
When we discuss hot button issues today, “food sacrificed to idols” is not at the top of our list. But in the early church in Corinth, what Christians ate was a serious concern. Many non-Christians sacrificed animals to idols then ate those animals as part of their idol worship.
Believers in the community wanted to honor God with all they did, but they kept running into this dilemma: How do you share meals with non-believing friends and family without dishonoring Jesus or offending the people you’re eating with?
Discussion Questions
- In what area of your life are you using your freedom to serve yourself?
- What is one step you can take today to begin putting others first in that area?
Application
Translation: It’s not all about us. In all things, it is better to look after the interests of others than our own. If someone believes something is a sin, and they do it anyway, then it is a sin for them (Romans 14:23). We may feel it’s OK to have a drink, watch a certain movie, or eat certain food, but if doing so hurts the spiritual health and growth of other believers, or causes them to sin, then it becomes a sin for us because we’ve caused them to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9-12).
