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September 15, 2024

As Long As It Doesn't Hurt Someone Else

Sermon Series:

Calling Out Cultural Lies

1 Corinthians 10:23-33

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. For “the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.” If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

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

Main Idea

Our faith should be to our neighbor's benefit.

Outline

1. Bring good to others (vv23-24)
2. Bring Glory to God (vv25-31)
3. Bring the Gospel to everyone (vv32-33)

Pre-Questions

Have you ever heard the phrase, “As long as it doesn’t hurt someone else, it’s okay”? How does that concept resonate with you? Do you agree or disagree with it?
What does the Bible say about the importance of loving others and considering their well-being in our actions? Read and discuss Philippians 2:3-4 or 1 Corinthians 10:23-24. How do these passages challenge the “as long as it doesn’t hurt someone” mindset?

Discussion Questions

How do we define what it means to “hurt someone else”? Are there actions that might not seem harmful but can have unintended consequences for others? Can you think of examples from your own life?
Do you believe that morality is determined only by the consequences of actions on others, or do other factors (such as personal character, relationship with God) matter as well? Why?
What steps can we take personally to ensure that our actions reflect Christ’s love, beyond just considering whether they harm others? How does self-sacrifice and service fit into this?
Sometimes, the effects of our actions on others aren’t immediately visible. Can you think of situations where something might not appear to harm someone else, but in the long run, it does?

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