GRACE OVER GRAY, PART 1 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

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1 GRACE OVER GRAY, PART 1 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 I. Love Over Knowledge: What Matters More Is How Much One Loves God, Not How Much One Knows About God A. Knowledge About And Isn t Enough To Build The Church (1a) 1a Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that all of us possess knowledge. B. Knowledge Without Love Leads To (1b) 1b This knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. C. Once A Person Thinks They re A Know-It-All, They re Really A (2) 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. D. Is The Key To Spur The Growth Of Grace In The Church (3) 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. II. God Over Issues: Some Issues That People Fret About Aren t An Issue With God A. Grace Is Towards Different Approaches On Gray Issues; Legalism Redefines Righteousness And/Or Spirituality On Extra-Biblical Issues 4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that an idol has no real existence, and that there is no God but one. 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth as indeed there are many gods and many lords 1. The Diverse Boundaries Type of Red Light Yellow Light Green Light Issue Definition Always wrong Depends Always right Example Murder, immorality Entertainment, alcohol Love, forgiveness, service 2. The Delicate Balance: Lawlessness Liberty Legalism Lawlessness Liberty Legalism Free to sin (Gal 5:13) Free to ignore the law (Gal 5:14) Free to use others selfishly (Gal 5:15) Free from sin (John 8:34-36) Free to be led by the Spirit (Gal 5:16-18) Free to serve others in love (Gal 5:13) Bound to fleshly self-righteousness (Gal 3:1-3) Bound to extra-biblical standards for proud comparisons (Mt 23:4-5, Gal 1:14) Bound to judge others for self exaltation (Gal 4:17) a. Legalism Attempts To Achieve Spiritual Growth Through The Flesh (Gal 3:1-3) b. Legalism Is Usually Accompanied By A Double Standard (Mat 23:3-4) c. Legalism May Impose Works As A Requirement To Salvation (Gal 2:19)

2 B. Grace Comprehends That There May Be More Than One Way To God Than Just Our Way 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. III. Grace Over Gray: Be Considerate To Those With Weaker Consciences And Imaginary Boundaries 7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. A. Understand Those In The Church Whose Weaker Makes Them Easily Offended By What One With A Stronger Conscience Is Free To Do 7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. Weaker Believer Mature Believer Weak in knowledge (1 Cor 8:7) Knowledgeable about issues (1 Cor 8:4-8) Weak in conviction (Rom 14:1,23) Convinced about liberty (Rom 14:5,14,22) Weak in conscience (1 Cor 8:7,10,12) Conscientious about disqualification (1 Cor 9:27) Weak in will (1 Cor 8:10) Willfully forfeits freedoms (1 Cor 9:19-23) Result: Weaker conscience establishes more boundaries within the boundaries of Result: Stronger conscience is aware of freedom within the boundaries of right & wrong right or wrong B. Gray Issues Matter More To Some People Than They Do To God Doesn t Make An Issue Bigger Than God Does 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Conclusion: 1. Identifying the issue of difference a. Is it harmful to a person? b. Is it clearly counter to God s opinion or will? 2. Confronting the issue of difference a. Is it profitable to confront? b. Is it profitable to debate? 3. Examining our own heart a. Is your heart right with God? b. Are you confronting this issue to cover issues in your own heart? c. Is there a motive of revenge? d. Are you angry? Is your anger justifiable? e. Are you self-righteous? f. Do you hold to double-standards?

3 GRACE OVER GRAY, PART 1 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 8:1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that all of us possess knowledge. This knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. 4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that an idol has no real existence, and that there is no God but one. 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth as indeed there are many gods and many lords 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Introduction: History at FBC Membership requirements I thought the more you deny, the more spiritual you are I understood the intention put up more barriers so young believers will be less likely to sin Though the intention was good, the outcome is dangerous you rely on the barriers or the rules rather than making good decisions in Christ Ie/ The Barriers outside for Day Camp as kids grow, can t rely on barriers to keep them safe they need to make good decisions to not run after a ball without looking for cars on Ralston Ave. Legalism makes a person think that they can never go outside the bars and that as long as you are behind the bars, you re righteous. Fundamentalism was once defined by standing on issues that were fundamental to orthodox theology Trinity, deity of Christ, atonement of Christ, resurrection of Christ, inerrancy and authority of Scripture Fundamentalism later grew the reputation of making a big deal out of non-essential things I. Love Over Knowledge: What Matters More Is How Much One Loves God, Not How Much One Knows About God 8:1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that all of us possess knowledge. This knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. A. Knowledge About Christ And Culture Isn t Enough To Build The Church (1a) 1a Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that all of us possess knowledge. The Corinthians were probably classicly trained in Greek philosophy and Roman culture

4 They also had knowledge of Christ Knowledge = gnosis 1 Corinthians 1:5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge B. Knowledge Without Love Leads To Pride (1b) 1b This knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Grace Killer #1: Arrogant Knowledge (1 Cor 8:1) o A.k.a. Love that puffs up Pride uses knowledge as an excuse to not love ie/ Jr. Hi kid who once argued that he should deserve the camp scholarship over the poor kids who couldn t afford camp because he knew more Bible than them C. Once A Person Thinks They re A Know-It-All, They re Really A Dummy (2) 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. The more we learn about God, the more we realize we don t know Topics such as biology, astronomy, oceanography, physiology, engineering continue to make improvements and learn more and more The more our microscopes and telescopes improve, the more we learn Theology is the same the more we learn about God, the more we realize there is to discover ie/ Upon graduating from Bible college, there was the sense that I had the training so I had the answers o It was tempting to use my knew knowledge acquired in Biblical training to change the church and change the world o I became dangerous wielding my knowledge around without experience or love o When I learned love, then I became gracious o Knowledge without love makes us a problem ie/ Sometimes coming back from a great church experience during the school year back to your home church for the summer, you ve learned a lot of things FBC hasn t accomplished in your life. You d like to share that with FBC that s great. Make sure the sharing of knowledge is lathered in love or you will grow in looking down at the church rather than trying to help us grow D. Love Is The Key To Spur The Growth Of Grace In The Church (3) 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. It s been said: People don t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

5 To be gracious is to know that love is the key in the church not gray issues. This is not to discount what is clearly declared righteous and sinful in the Scriptures II. God Over Issues: Some Issues That People Fret About Aren t An Issue With God 4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that an idol has no real existence, and that there is no God but one. 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth as indeed there are many gods and many lords 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. Beethoven: To play a wrong note is insignificant; To play without passion is inexcusable. Sometimes we major on the minor and minor on the major. We can go through church trying to find the wrong note and negate passion. A. Grace Is Considerate Towards Different Approaches On Gray Issues; Legalism Redefines Righteousness And/Or Spirituality On Extra-Biblical Issues 4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that an idol has no real existence, and that there is no God but one. 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth as indeed there are many gods and many lords meat offered to idols o ie/ Roast Pig offered to Ancestor o I know the ancestor doesn t need that meat in the afterlife o And if it looks as good as the picture, I m not opposed to eating it o Some people will cast judgment on someone who ate meat offered to an idol o I know an idol doesn t exist o I know an ancestor doesn t need a food offering for the afterlife o My conscience is free to eat the meat ie/ Certified Halal meat sold at Costco o For lawful (halal) meat in Islam, the animal must be killed while the butcher faces Mecca, and either the butcher cries Allah Akbar or a tape plays the words over a loud speaker. Understand, that when they face Mecca, they face the black stone the very definition of idol worship The Diverse Boundaries Type of Red Light Yellow Light Green Light Issue Definition Always wrong Depends Always right Example Murder, immorality Entertainment, alcohol Love, forgiveness, service Type of Issue Red Light Yellow Light Green Light

6 Definition Always wrong Depends Always right Example murder, immorality, stealing, greed, loving the world, faithlessness in God movies, cable TV, wine, dancing, trick or treating, mixed swimming, recreational gambling, smoking, guitars, insurance, card games, wearing make up, contact sports, long hair for men, public school, working or playing on Sundays, women working, women wearing pants, translations other than KJV Love, forgiveness, service, holiness, faithfulness, meekness, honoring one another Other Gray Issues: Public School vs Christian School vs Home Schooling (Gothard) Halloween devil s holiday or neighborhood dress up fun Mah Jong gambling or family game Dancing Alcohol Dancing Parenting Style Growing Kids God s Way became a legalistic movement that looked down at others who didn t follow their extra rules 2. The Delicate Balance: Lawlessness Liberty Legalism Legalism is a fleshly attitude which conforms to a code for the purpose of exalting self. (Ryrie, Balancing The Christian Life) Legalism is an attitude, a mentality based on pride. It is an obsessive conformity to an artificial standard for the purpose of exalting oneself. (Swindoll, The Grace Awakening) legalist n. A person who thinks that he can gain God s approval by outward conformity to a list of rules, and who minimizes the importance of motives, the work of Christ, faith, and the dynamic role of the Holy Spirit in daily living. (DeHaan, I m Not A Legalist, Am I?) 4 C s of Legalism (from an article) o Convinced (builds up obvious Scripture support for position) o Crusade (not just for self, but an issue for everyone) o Condemn (look down at those who disagree) o Compensate (distract from inconsistency & sin in own life) Lawlessness Ie/ Judges everyone did what they wanted - also licentiousness Liberty Q: Free from what? Rom 6:6-7 free from sin Q: Absolutely free? A: No, freedom has it s limits. Ie/ free as bird (gravity) Legalism - defined as achieving selfrighteousness in the flesh through non-biblical rules - look down at others through system of self-proclaimed rules

7 Free to sin (Gal 5:13) - some think that because Christ has forgiven our sins, that we can go ahead and sin now ie/ cheat on income tax, lie to your spouse because you think you can confess it later Free to ignore the law (Gal 5:14) - law of Scripture is clear - but the lawless person ignores it because of personal agenda ie/ convince self to give a vulgar gesture to person who cut in front of you on the street ie/ know pre-marital sex is wrong but let feelings and emotions turn you from what you know is right ie/ dating unsaved Free to use others selfishly (Gal 5:15) - think nothing of stepping on someone Ie/ free American but must obey laws Free from sin (John 8:34-36) - not free to sin - become a willing bond-slave of Christ ie/ bond slave freed, but voluntarily comes back Free to be led by the Spirit (Gal 5:16-18) - not in disregard of the Word of God, but in accordance to the Word of God - some areas not clear in Scripture, though principle is ie/ decide on job - Scripture not greedy, proud, opportunity to serve - pray for Spirit guidance ie/ entertainment Free to serve others in love (Gal 5:13) - our freedom gives us the ability to choose right, to choose to glorify God - sin restrained us from doing the ultimate greatest thing in life - glorify God Bound to fleshly self-righteousness (Gal 3:1-3) - try to attain righteousness through flesh - abandoned Spirit and Christ Bound to extra-biblical standards for proud comparisons (Mt 23:4-5, Gal 1:14) Bound to judge others for self exaltation (Gal 4:17)

8 - now we re free to glorify God by serving others Earl Palmer: The deterioration toward legalistic cultism in Christian fellowships happens as the center shifts from the fulfillment of law as found in Jesus Christ toward the performance of law the individuals and the movement become their own gospel. The gospel is not based on Christ s adequacy and his sovereign love, but on human adequacy and proofs of piety The result is a steady erosion of hope. (Alive From The Center, Word Books, 1982, p. 95) Palmer: The temptation of legalistic cultism, by which a biblical Christian is drawn away from a Christocentric faith, may sound something like this: Your faith in Christ is fine so far as it goes, but it is not concrete enough. The cultic movement makes roughly the following argument: Join with our movement because we can specify concrete definite works that prove our superiority to your nominal faith in Christ. (ibid) a. Legalism Attempts To Achieve Spiritual Growth Through The Flesh (Gal 3:1-3) J.B. Phillips translation: O you dear idiots of Galatia, who saw Jesus Christ the crucified so plainly, who has been casting a spell over you? I shall ask you one simple question: Did you receive the Spirit of God by trying to keep the Law or by believing the message of the Gospel? Surely you can t be idiotic as to think that a man begins his spiritual life in the Spirit and then completes it by reverting to outward observances. b. Legalism Is Usually Accompanied By A Double Standard (Mat 23:3-4) Matthew 23:3-4 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. ie/ someone told us that it is OK for other Christians to eat free food samples at Costco, but not for a pastor and a pastor s wife ie/ it s OK for my wife to work, but not a pastor s wife c. Legalism May Impose Works As A Requirement To Salvation (Gal 2:19) Galatians 2:19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. B. Grace Comprehends That There May Be More Than One Way To Glorify God Than Just Our Way 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

9 III. Grace Over Gray: Be Considerate To Those With Weaker Consciences And Imaginary Boundaries 7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. A. Understand Those In The Church Whose Weaker Conscience Makes Them Easily Offended By What One With A Stronger Conscience Is Free To Do 7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. Weaker Believer Mature Believer Weak in knowledge (1 Cor 8:7) Knowledgeable about issues (1 Cor 8:4-8) Weak in conviction (Rom 14:1,23) Convinced about liberty (Rom 14:5,14,22) Weak in conscience (1 Cor 8:7,10,12) Conscientious about disqualification (1 Cor 9:27) Weak in will (1 Cor 8:10) Willfully forfeits freedoms (1 Cor 9:19-23) Result: Weaker conscience establishes more boundaries within the boundaries of Result: Stronger conscience is aware of freedom within the boundaries of right & wrong right or wrong B. Gray Issues Matter More To Some People Than They Do To God Grace Doesn t Make An Issue Bigger Than God Does 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Conclusion: 1. Identifying the issue of difference a. Is it harmful to a person? b. Is it clearly counter to God s opinion or will? 2. Confronting the issue of difference a. Is it profitable to confront? b. Is it profitable to debate? 3. Examining our own heart a. Is your heart right with God? b. Are you confronting this issue to cover issues in your own heart? c. Is there a motive of revenge? d. Are you angry? Is your anger justifiable? e. Are you self-righteous? f. Do you hold to double-standards?