Love Trumps Liberty – small group discussion points
Let’s counsel one another on the matter of our freedom in Christ. Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. Take note of the seed thought that is planted in the first verse: “but love edifies.” Discuss the eight reasons the apostle cites to convince us that, in the exercise of our freedom in Christ, love trumps liberty. We should choose love over liberty:
- Because choosing liberty over love is arrogant (vv. 1a, 2)
- Because choosing love above liberty is selfless (v. 1b)
- Because love for the brethren is proof of love for God (v. 3)
- Because we exist for God, not ourselves (vv. 4-6)
- Because not all believers are mature (vv. 7-10)
- Because liberty abused can ruin the lives of others (v. 11)
- Because wounding a brother’s conscience equals sinning against Christ (v. 12)
- Because love esteems others as better than self (v. 13)
When love and humility get married their offspring is servanthood. If we are truly loving one another and esteeming others as better than ourselves then there will be nothing in our lives that we are not willing to give up for the sake of the spiritual well-being of a brother or sister in Christ.
Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this– not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:13-17).
