1 Corinthians 8:1-13

---

Sin City

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Small Group Questions: 1. What was challenging, convicting, or encouraging from the weekend presentation? 2. Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 together. The people in Corinth were divided about whether to eat meat, so they asked the Apostle Paul to settle the argument. This is very similar to playground children asking the teacher to tell them who is right, or an arguing married couple asking their pastor which spouse is right. But instead of telling them who is right, Paul gets to the real heart of the division. What does he say is WAY more important than being right? 3. Knowledge is good, but it can also make us proud. Can you describe a situation when a person’s knowledge was more harmful than good? How can we grow in knowledge and wisdom without becoming arrogant? 4. What behaviors or attitudes might tempt other believers to sin? What does Paul say are the consequences of arrogantly exercising your freedoms without regard or love for others? Can we really be held responsible for what others choose to do? 5. People in America think that we don’t worship any “idols,” yet there are many activities and ideas that we greatly respect, revere, and even obey – out of fear that if we don’t, bad things will happen. What kinds of so-called “gods” or “idols” have that kind of power in our society? What advice does Paul give believers to avoid living in fear of these powerful forces that the rest of our society worships? 6. It seems like Paul is telling us to give up our freedoms out of love and respect for others. What kinds of things have you given up lately for the spiritual sake of someone else (Christian or not)? Suggested from Pastor Tim Kuhl: 7. What kinds of issues cause division in churches between stronger and weaker believers today? What is the greatest final authority on whether a certain activity is okay or not? When there is a difference of opinion between two believers, how should they determine what to do?

The World’s Greatest Predator Message by Pastor Tim Kuhl Part 2 of 6 :: September 24-25, 2011

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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. 3 But whoever loves God is known by God. 4 So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), 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. 8 But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. 9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? 11 So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12 When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 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.

Another cultural issue:

Meat ______________ to idols

Another body issue:

_____________ or purposeful

Some observations:

“______________________”- gnw◊siß “_______________”- aÓga¿ph “_________________”- fusioi “________________ ______”- oi˙kodomei√

____________ your convictions, but _________ other people. Love manages my liberty.

What is the highest calling in a situation? Fill that calling.

Who is the most important person in a situation? Help that person. (hint-it’s not me)