The right to relinquish Rights 1 Corinthians 8 & 9

A note on the fridge said “ it’s better to be righteous than right!”

So think about this = > how do you react when you know that you are in the right in yet someone continues to openly oppose you?… think about it……….

So do most of the struggles for  rights (legitimate or those less so) revolve around obtaining freedom to change what you consider the status quo. The apostle Paul does not appear to see it that way. For Paul the freedoms an rights are less important than having the opportunity to live for Christ. In this study we looked at the race of life we all run and running for God and not for ourselves. This study is based on 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. [listen to it]

Q1: The Christians in Corinth wondered whether they should eat the meet of animals that  have been offered in temples to pagan gods… Paul enlightens them on what Mature Christians know (see verses 4-6,8)

Think about the warning that Paul gives however about this knowledge (vv1-3)

Q2: What’s more important that exercising the freedom in this context according to Paul?

Q3: Think about your weaker brothers & sisters in Christ  – what do you need to give up ( ie what knowledge or freedom that you have) so as not to destroy that person?

 

Q4 Conversely, what in the knowledge and freedom that a mature Christian has challenge the younger /immature Christian to grow?

 

look at the  verses 4-5, 11-12, 14,18 in chapter 9 – and see what rights Paul gave up!

Q – what practical choices have you made that might be hindering the spread of the gospel in this town?

Read through chapter 9 v 19-27 and ask yourself how and why did Paul give the freedom that he had to live whatever lifestyle he wanted

 

How are we like athletes in training?

 

a brief history of Corinth can be found here