Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Intro

Baptist Distinctives

B – Biblical Authority
A – Autonomy of the local church
P – Priesthood of believers
T – Two Ordinances – Baptism & Communion
I – Individual Soul Liberty
S – Saved, baptized members
T – Two Offices – Pastor & Deacon
S – Separation of Church & State
Soul Liberty: Every individual, whether a believer or an unbeliever, has the freedom to choose what his conscience or soul dictates is right in the religious realm. Soul liberty asks the believer to accept responsibility for his own actions and not to force anyone else to do or believe anything contrary to his own conscience. This is really important! Our liberty is not a justification or excuse for disobeying God. The believer must still act according to the principles of Scripture and honor the doctrinal position of the Bible-believing Baptist church to which he belongs. It’s also not an excuse to be unloving to others.

Series

We are returning to our series in 1 Corinthians called Living in Light of Eternity. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth about some very serious problems they were dealing with like sexual morality, marriage, singleness, using our spiritual gifts, and the need for everything to be done in love. And then he gave them encouraging theology about the resurrection of Jesus Christ and our future resurrection as believers.

That’s where the series title “Living in Light of Eternity” comes from. With our view of eternity, knowing that our souls will go on forever and ever, knowing that God will judge our behavior, and knowing that His Son Jesus died so that we can spend eternity with God, how should we think, live, and act today?

‌The city of Corinth was a key seaport city in the Roman Empire’s trade route. Like many other wealthy crossroads cities, it had a reputation for immorality, religious diversity and corruption. A lot like our culture today. As we read this letter to another group of Christians in another church from another century, let’s watch for principles or teachings that apply to our church community right here in Dunkirk.

Christian Liberty

verses 1-8

verse 6 – We exist to glorify God and our liberty is not meant to glorify ourselves.
John 8:31-32
Romans 8:1-2

Aim of Liberty

verses 9-12

Galatians 5:13
Colossians 2:6
Ephesians 4:1
Galatians 2:20
Galatians 5:24

Liberty in Love

verse 13

Galatians 6:2
NOTICE: About weaker brothers NOT about judging others.
Principles: 1 Cor 6:20; Prov 13:11, 28:7; Eph 5:18, 2 Thess 3:10-12; Eph 5:3-4, 5:15

Take Aways

Don’t take advantage of a freedom that harms a newer believer

Teens & kids – Honor and obey your parents

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