Sunday School Lesson July 3, 2022

Subject: Interdependent Independence

The Point: Let your responsibility to others drive how you exercise your rights.

The Passages: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

Study The Bible: 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

1). Do What Is Beneficial to Others.

23. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything builds up.
24. No one is to seek his own good, but the good of the other person.

Lasting truths from: 1 Corinthians 10:23-24                 

* Our Christian freedom should benefit other people.

* Christians should avoid the temptation to self-centeredness, or selfishness as they relate to other people.

2). Don’t offend others unnecessarily.

1 Corinthians 10:25-30

25. Eat everything that is sold in the meat market, without raising questions for the sake of conscience,
26. since the earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.
27. If any of the unbelievers invites you over and you want to go, eat everything that is set before you, without raising questions for the sake of conscience.
28. But if someone says to you, “This is food from a sacrifice,” do not eat it, out of consideration for the one who told you, and for the sake of conscience.
29. I do not mean your own conscience, but the other person’s. For why is my freedom judged by another person’s conscience?
30. If I partake with thanksgiving, why am I criticized because of something for which I gave thanks?

Lasting truths from: 1 Corinthians 10:25-30

* A believer who is free in Christ acknowledges the goodness of God’s creation.

* Mature Christians will voluntarily limit their personal freedom out of love for a fellow believer.

*  Mature Christians will try to avoid offending less mature Christians by their words and deeds.

3). Do what gives a potential witness to Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:31-33

31. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.
32. Give no offense to Jews of Greeks or the church of God,
33. just as I also try to please everyone in everything, not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved.

Lasting truth from: 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

* Honoring God is the motivation for Christian behavior.

*  Christians should try to avoid unnecessary offensive behavior in their dealing with all people.

* We facilitate the evangelization and salvation of many when we responsibly exercise our Christian freedom.

Live It Out

As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:

1. How would you define Christian freedom? How has your view of Christian freedom changed in recent years?
2. What contemporary ethical issues is most similar to the issue of eating meat offered to pagan idols?
3. When have you voluntarily limited your personal freedom and your rights out of love for others?

Closing Prayer:

“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”