1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1
Yesterday we saw that God wants His people to judge sin within the church. The point of that is to encourage one another to live lives that show people the wisdom of following Jesus. (Ephesians 3:10)
God clearly states that certain things are sinful for everyone and that all Christians should avoid them (for example, see 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Other activities are “gray” – meaning that God has not clearly spoken regarding them. For example, the Bible does not address forbid listening to certain musical styles, getting tattoos, watching movies, smoking cigarettes or body piercing. However, these activities may not be beneficial.
In 1 Corinthians, as well as a few other passages, we find wisdom for helping us make choices in “gray areas”. I hope that you find these helpful in thinking through decisions in your life.
7 Questions to Guide Your Choices:
1. Is this permissible? (1 Cor. 10:23) Is this activity one that God has universally prohibited for all Christians?
2. Is this legal? (Romans 13:1-7) Do the authorities God has placed over you forbid this activity? For children, this includes parents. For parents, this includes traffic cops.
3. Is this beneficial? (1 Cor. 10:23, 1 Cor. 6:12) Does this activity have the potential to become addictive, physically harmful, etc.? For example, smoking, China Buffet, or any foods ending in “-itos”.
4. Is this loving? (1 Cor. 10:24) Does this activity put the needs of others before your own?
5. Is this evangelistic? (1 Cor. 10:27-30) What will this activity cause an unbeliever to think about Jesus?
6. Will this cause someone else to stumble? (1 Cor. 10:32-33) We are strong in some areas and weak in others. Will your acting on your strength cause another to fall in his weakness?
7. Will this glorify God? (1 Cor. 10:31) Will this activity reflect well on Jesus?
For more information, check out the sermon on www.RedeemerOmaha.org entitled “Guidance for Gray Areas” on 6/21/09.
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