Message Outline

In this passage of God’s Word we see the Apostle Paul instructing the church in Corinth about a specific issue that they are struggling with: is it ok to eat meat sacrificed to idols? Throughout Paul’s letter to this church, he addresses many issues; some have very clear answers, and others not so much. This particular issue is complex and has many nuances. By taking a look at it though, we can realize how we are to interact with complex issues in our lives that don’t necessarily have a clear right or wrong answer.

Questions to ask yourself (when dealing with others):

1. Is it a stumbling block to someone around me?
1 Cor. 8:7-13, Luke 17:1-2, Rom. 14:13

2. Am I puffing myself up, or building others up?
1 Cor. 8:1-2, 14:1-40, Rom. 14:1, 10-12, 1 Pet. 4:10

3. Am I judging others because of their convictions?
Rom. 14:3-4, 13, Matt. 7:1-5

Questions to ask yourself (when dealing with yourself):

1. What is the Holy Spirit communicating to me?
Rom. 8:5, 14, Gal. 5:25, John 16:13-15, Ps. 143:10

2. What is the purpose behind what I’m doing?
1 Cor. 6:12, 10:23, 31, Rom. 12:2, Eph. 5:15-16

3. Am I being controlled by something?
1 Pet. 5:8, 2 Tim. 1:17, Eph. 5:18

Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever heard this passage of Scripture or topic taught on before? What stood out to you?

2. There are things that Scripture clearly tells us to do and there are things that Scripture clearly tells us not to do. However, there are also gray areas that each one of us have to prayerfully consider whether or not to partake of. Take some time and list out some gray areas. How you react to each one of these gray areas? How do most believers around you react to these gray areas?

3. As we talked about in the message, there are 2 errors in reacting to gray areas: going too far on the legalistic side or being a freedom crusader. Both of these reactions go too far and fail to address the issue with the complexity and nuances that are discussed in 1 Corinthians chapter 8 and Romans chapter 14. Think about the way that you react to gray areas. Which error are you more likely to make when interacting with others? Which error are you more likely to make when interacting with yourself? Are there any specific issues or circumstances that often causes you to error one of these 2 ways? Why do you think that is?

4. Of the 3 questions to ask yourself when dealing with others, which one do you have the most difficult time with? why?

5. Of the 3 questions to ask yourself when dealing with yourself, which one do you have the most difficult time with? why?

6. How can you help those around you to deal with gray issues in a more Biblical manner?

7. What is your biggest take away about how this passage affects your life? What do you need to work on? Who can you share this with and ask you to keep you accountable to accomplishing this?