November 10, 2015:  SOAP #2168:

Scripture:  1Corinthians (NIV) 8:8 But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. 9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling-block to the weak.

Observation:  Freedom is a wonderful thing.  It is good for a person to be able to make choices about what is best to do.  It is in freedom that one can best bring joy to God as they freely choose that which honors Him.  In the above verse, Paul was encouraging the saints in Corinth not to exercise their freedom to eat certain foods if it would offend a weaker believer who thought eating those foods was honoring the gods to which they had been dedicated.

Application:   My freedom can be exercised in two ways.  First is by participating in that which God has given me freedom to do.  The second is by not participating in that which God has given me freedom to do if it would hinder another believer.  The first way demonstrated my freedom; the second demonstrates my love.

Prayer:   Lord, thank you for freedom!  Holy Spirit help me use my freedom to honor my Heavenly Father and to serve my fellow believers.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!