Overcomer - Is it Helpful?

1 Corinthians 10:23-33

23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

25 Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, 26 for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

27 If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. 29 I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? 30 If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?

31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

This passage taken from the first letter to the Christians at Corinth gets to the heart of the whole business of gluttony vs self-control.  Is there stuff we can eat and drink or otherwise consume without sinning?  Sure.  But would it help us or hurt us in the long run?  Good question.

Reflect

Questions

Read this passage slowly thinking about things you have consumed that were not really wrong - but didn’t really help.  How do you become more careful about your consumption?

How important is it to you - not to make other people stumble?  How’s your example?

Prayer

Father in heaven you have given me every opportunity to grow up in my faith.  You have blessed me and forgiven me.  Now I pray that you will help me  cultivate a healthy conscience so I live a life that is a good example to the people around me.  Live and love through me today - in Jesus’ name. Amen

Memory Verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Galatians 5:22-23a

Share

Gather some family and friends together and read this passage. Then discuss this question:  What is something you feel OK about yourself that might be a poor example to others?  Pray for each other.

DFM Nation

Sunday we are celebrating the 135th Anniversary of Davison Free Methodist Church.  You are invited to join the party and bring a friend.