Loves Limitation of Liberty For Conscience Sake
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Text:Timothy 1:5 and 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
Introduction: We all know that love edifies but knowledge can make a person arrogant. So, we must be careful of what we approve of and practice as it may cause a younger Christian sin. It could also turn outsiders away from Christ
Point 1: The Principle’s Point- Is it Profitable?
- Do we do what is profitable for others?
- Profitable (4851) “Soomphero” 24 & 33
It means to share in order to help, hence to help, be profitable, to be expedient
- Profitable for who?_
The principle from verse 24 is doing that which is good for your neighbor.
- The Profit is for…
The other person, in this case the one who would be receiving the offer of salvation
- Examples of the Principle:
- 2 Corinthians 8:9
- Philippians 2:3-8
- Philippians 2:19-21
Point 2: Love’s Limitation…for Conscience Sake!
- The mature Christian won’t wound a conscience!
- Whose conscience are we concerned about here?
*The conscience of our neighbor
*The conscience of a brother or sister
*The conscience of an unbeliever
- Why is our Freedom judged and slandered?
*Unbelievers have a belief system about what Christians are to be.
*Unbelievers slander and reject us based on their perception and understanding of our behavior.
- Why should Love limit our Freedom?
*Christians need to think of the eternity of others
*Christians need to live in such as way as not to offend others by our behavior.
Practical Applications:
What did you get out of the morning sermon?
Can you think of any other place this “Profit Principle” can be found in the New Testament?
How is this profit principle a practical manifestation of love for a neighbor?
Has your freedom ever been judged or slandered? Explain
Can you think of examples from today’s culture, like, not eating meat in that culture, where this principle would apply to Christians?
Points for Prayer:
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