Friday, January 07, 2011
Last Sunday I made the point that the Bible is full of principles that every believer should practice. There are loop holes in rules but not in principles. I went through several principles in 1 Corinthians and as promised, I wanted to include these in my blog. So here they are. Please, don't just be a reader of the Word - Be a doer!
1. The principle of benefit. 1 Corinthians 6:12 a - "I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial" (NIV). In the Message - "Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate."
Ask yourself this question before making a decision: Will this benefit me spiritually?
2. The principle of control. 1 Corinthians 6:12 b - “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything" (NIV). In the Message - If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims.
Ask yourself - Is this controlling me?
3. The principle of example. 1 Corinthians 8:10-13 in the Message reads, 10For instance, say you flaunt your freedom by going to a banquet thrown in honor of idols, where the main course is meat sacrificed to idols. Isn't there great danger if someone still struggling over this issue, someone who looks up to you as knowledgeable and mature, sees you go into that banquet? The danger is that he will become terribly confused—maybe even to the point of getting mixed up himself in what his conscience tells him is wrong.
11-13Christ gave up his life for that person. Wouldn't you at least be willing to give up going to dinner for him—because, as you say, it doesn't really make any difference? But it does make a difference if you hurt your friend terribly, risking his eternal ruin! When you hurt your friend, you hurt Christ. A free meal here and there isn't worth it at the cost of even one of these "weak ones." So, never go to these idol-tainted meals if there's any chance it will trip up one of your brothers or sisters.
Ask yourself - Is my example causing someone harm? All of us are role models to someone. We need to be very careful what we do, where we go and how we act so that we are not the reason someone else stumbles in their faith.
4. The principle of enrichment. 1 Corinthians 10:23 in the NIV reads, "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."
Ask yourself - Is this enriching my life? Is this building me up spiritually or tearing me down?
5. The principle of exaltation 1 Corinthians 10:31 - "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (NIV).
Ask yourself - Will this glorify God?
6. The principle of evangelism 1 Corinthians 10:33 -"For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved" (NIV).
Ask yourself - Is this leading people to the Lord or away from Him?
These are great principles to put into practice before making any decision. Remember, there are no loop holes in principles!
Pastor Tim
1. The principle of benefit. 1 Corinthians 6:12 a - "I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial" (NIV). In the Message - "Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate."
Ask yourself this question before making a decision: Will this benefit me spiritually?
2. The principle of control. 1 Corinthians 6:12 b - “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything" (NIV). In the Message - If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims.
Ask yourself - Is this controlling me?
3. The principle of example. 1 Corinthians 8:10-13 in the Message reads, 10For instance, say you flaunt your freedom by going to a banquet thrown in honor of idols, where the main course is meat sacrificed to idols. Isn't there great danger if someone still struggling over this issue, someone who looks up to you as knowledgeable and mature, sees you go into that banquet? The danger is that he will become terribly confused—maybe even to the point of getting mixed up himself in what his conscience tells him is wrong.
11-13Christ gave up his life for that person. Wouldn't you at least be willing to give up going to dinner for him—because, as you say, it doesn't really make any difference? But it does make a difference if you hurt your friend terribly, risking his eternal ruin! When you hurt your friend, you hurt Christ. A free meal here and there isn't worth it at the cost of even one of these "weak ones." So, never go to these idol-tainted meals if there's any chance it will trip up one of your brothers or sisters.
Ask yourself - Is my example causing someone harm? All of us are role models to someone. We need to be very careful what we do, where we go and how we act so that we are not the reason someone else stumbles in their faith.
4. The principle of enrichment. 1 Corinthians 10:23 in the NIV reads, "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."
Ask yourself - Is this enriching my life? Is this building me up spiritually or tearing me down?
5. The principle of exaltation 1 Corinthians 10:31 - "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (NIV).
Ask yourself - Will this glorify God?
6. The principle of evangelism 1 Corinthians 10:33 -"For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved" (NIV).
Ask yourself - Is this leading people to the Lord or away from Him?
These are great principles to put into practice before making any decision. Remember, there are no loop holes in principles!
Pastor Tim
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