Sunday Morning Sermon

Preached by John Gaines at Leonard Street Church of Christ

June 1, 2003

1. We must be very careful that our behavior does not make us cause others to stumble. [Matthew 18:6 (NKJV) "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.]

2. The idea of looking out for your brother's welfare is an important theme in 1 Corinthians.

a. Paul was concerned with the practice of eating meats which had been offered to idols.

(1) He introduced the subject in 1 Corinthians 8:4 (NKJV) Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.

(2) Some did not have that understanding [1 Corinthians 8:7 (NKJV) However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.] Eating meat offered to idols would be wrong for them because it would defile their conscience.

(3) Food is morally neutral . . . it does not help or hurt our standing with God [1 Corinthians 8:8 (NKJV) But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.] The obvious conclusion is that you are free to eat what you wish.

(4) However, there is a danger that your liberty could become a stumblingblock to others. [1 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.]

(5) Others may follow your example and end up violating their consciences. This results in the weak brother perishing [1 Corinthians 8:10-11 (NKJV) For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?]

(6) Acting as a stumblingblock for a weaker brother was a sin against them and against Christ [1 Corinthians 8:12 (NKJV) But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.]

(7) Paul's conclusion -- he would forego his right to eat meat offered to idols [1 Corinthians 8:13 (NKJV) Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.]

b. After discussing other matters, Paul returned to the subject of eating food offered to idols in chapter 10.

(1) Some lawful things are not good [1 Corinthians 10:23 (NKJV) All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.]

(2) We have an obligation to think of others before we think of ourselves [1 Corinthians 10:24 (NKJV) Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being.] This is the essence of loving your brother . . . meeting his needs first instead of centering your thoughts on yourself.

(3) Eating meat was not wrong. Thus, a Christian did not have to ask questions about the source of meat he bought in the market or which was served to him when he went to dinner [1 Corinthians 10:25-27 (NKJV) Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience' sake; 26 for "the earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness." 27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience' sake.]

(4) However, if the food is identified as having come from the idol temple, Christians should refuse to eat it [1 Corinthians 10:28 (NKJV) But if anyone says to you, "This was offered to idols," do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience' sake; for "the earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness."]

(5) Christians should not stand on their rights when others' souls are at stake. [1 Corinthians 10:29-30 (NKJV) "Conscience," I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man's conscience? 30 But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks?]

(a) We must be concerned about more than violating our own consciences.

(b) Actions which are not wrong in and of themselves can be harmful to the spiritual welfare of others. In cases like this, we cannot insist on our right to do what we please since "it isn't a sin for me to do it."

3. We've spent a considerable time today looking at the text in 1 Corinthians 8 and 10. We have little need for the specific teaching of this chapter regarding eating meat which has been offered as worship in an idol temple. Supermarkets in Pensacola don't sell meat from idol temples. This is completely outside our experience.

4. While the specific situation may not be relevant to us, there is a principle here which finds many applications in modern life. In all these situations, we must be concerned about the welfare of others and not press our right to do as we please.

a. Let me add a caution before we go on. In my judgment, some of the examples we're going to mention do not fit exactly in the "eating of meats" category since it was not wrong to eat meat which had been offered to a non-existent god. The problem came because of the damage such an example could do to a weak brother who did not have that understanding about the idols.

b. I believe some of the things we are going to be talking about today are sinful in and of themselves. However, that is disputed by people who want to justify the practices. So our approach is, "OK, if you're right and these things aren't wrong, you still should not do them if your example hurts other people."

5. Here's the over-riding principle which guides this whole study from 1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV), "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." All our actions should be designed to bring glory to God.

I. WHAT WE EAT AND DRINK SHOULD BRING GLORY TO GOD.

A. The obvious concern here is whether or not Christians can be justified in drinking alcoholic beverages.

1. No reasonable person defends drunkenness.

2. Getting drunk endangers souls [1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NKJV) Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. ] Note that drunkenness is also one of the works of the flesh about which it is said that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" [Galatians 5:21 (NKJV)].

B. Many, however, argue that drinking in moderation is not condemned in the Bible. After all, Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana [John 2] and Paul told Timothy to drink a little wine for his stomach's sake [1 Timothy 5:23].

C. We must understand, however, that "wine" in the Bible is much different from wine today.

1. The word wine (in Hebrew and Greek) means only "fruit of the vine" and can be either fermented or unfermented.

2. It was common practice to dilute wine with large amounts of water. Sources indicate that the wine commonly drunk in ancient times was diluted with 10 to 20 times as much water as wine. This would result in wine with less than 1% alcoholic content.

3. The Bible contains warnings against "strong drink." [Proverbs 20:1 (NKJV) Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.] Strong drink there could refer to beer, as in the NIV, but could also refer to undiluted wine. Neither would approach the alcohol percentage of distilled liquor.

D. I do not believe that Christians should drink alcoholic beverages, period. However, for sake of argument, let us admit the possibility that one might take an occasional single drink without condemning his soul. If that were true, should a Christian drink?

1. No, because he does not know the future course of his life. No one ever has a drinking problem without beginning to drink. One may drink in moderation while the course of life is flowing smoothly, but turn more heavily to alcohol when worries and problems arise. The ONLY way you can say with confidence that you will NEVER have a drinking problem is to never begin drinking alcoholic beverages.

2. No, because you set an example to others. You don't have the right to exercise your liberty if doing so endangers others.

a. Others might follow your example in drinking and become drunk. If that happens, you example has led them into soul-condemning sin.

b. There are non-Christians who do not approve of drinking. Will you be more likely or less likely to convert them if they see you with a can of beer or a glass of wine in your hand? Paul was willing to "become all things to all men" that he "might by all means save some." If you did have the liberty to drink, should you not be willing to forego that privilege if it would help you save someone's soul?

II. HOW WE DRESS SHOULD BRING GLORY TO GOD.

A. Americans are very protective of their right to dress as they want.

1. Fuss over school dress codes. A "Google News" search on the Internet shows that school districts across the country have gone through similar conflicts this spring as we have here in Escambia County.

2. Within the church, there are problems regarding the way people dress.

a. Some dress skimpily revealing more skin than they should

b. Some dress more casually than others think appropriate.

B. Concern for people's souls should be the overiding factor in our thinking.

1. Should people who don't think as I do about "proper dress" be encouraged or discouraged to come to church assemblies and hear the gospel preached? The answer to that one is easy . . . of course, we want everyone to come and hear.

2. That should not prevent us from teaching maturing Christians some principles they ought to consider about dress.

a. Dress that distracts is inappropriate in worship. Our thoughts are to be focused on God. Any type of clothing that calls undue attention to itself is immodest. This works both ways -- a tuxedo would be inappropriate dress for cutting the grass and recreation wear is inappropriate for serving the Lord's Supper.

b. Sexually provocative clothing can lead others into sin.

(1) Matthew 5:27-28 (NKJV) "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

(2) Christian women should dress in a way that professes godliness [1 Timothy 2:9-10 (NKJV) in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.] Let every item of clothing you wear pass the "godliness test." Is this "proper for women professing godliness"?

(3) Some women say, "It's not my problem what goes on in somebody else's mind. I'm going to wear what I want. If a man lusts after me, that's his problem." Doesn't that sound like the meat-eaters in Corinth saying, "I'm not going to let my actions be controlled by somebody else's conscience. If eating meat from the idol's temple offends him, that's his problem."

c. Look back at Jesus' words about being a stumblingblock in Matthew chapter 18. Look at Matthew 18:8-9 (NKJV) "If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. 9 "And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire. It's a sin to lead others into sin. Jesus said cut off your arm or put out your eye rather than sin. Surely, it's an easier demand to say give up some fashionable items of clothing if they may be a stumblingblock causing someone to sin.

III. WHERE WE GO SHOULD BRING GLORY TO GOD.

A. We don't live alone on a deserted island. Eyes are watching us. People see where we go and what we do.

1. Some may be impressionable minds which can be influenced by our behavior. If we do it, surely it is all right for them to do the same thing.

2. Others may be looking for dirt . . . seeking some reason to find fault with us. [1 Timothy 5:14 (NKJV) ". . . give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully."]

B. The biggest money-making movie in the country last week was a film called Bruce Almighty. The screenit.com website evaluated the PG-13 movie as having "heavy" profanity and "moderate" sexual content. Even worse, the whole premise of the movie makes fun of God.

1. A few weeks ago, large numbers of people across the country became quite upset with the Dixie Chicks country singing group because of comments they made which were disrespectful to the President of the United States. Radio stations stopped playing their music and people burned their tapes and CDs. Should we expect an even stronger reaction against this disrectful portrayal of Almighty God? Will we boycott movie theaters which show Bruce Almighty? Will we refuse to watch Jim Carrey or Jennifer Aniston in any of their other performances? No, most likely not.

2. You see, we've become accustomed to seeing and hearing God treated with disrespect.

a. Our society doesn't want people praying to God. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals doesn't want school children saying the Pledge of Allegiance because it declares that the United States is one nation under God.

b. But it's fine to use the holy name of God as a swear word.

c. People spend 86 million dollars on movie tickets to see a famous comedian and a popular t.v. star actress in a movie that pokes fun at God.

3. Folks, we need to question whether or not we're giving glory to God by going to see movies like that. What kind of example are we setting for our children and for anybody else who might be paying attention to our behavior?

IV. HOW WE TALK SHOULD BRING GLORY TO GOD.

A. The way we talk is extremely important in our relationship with God.

1. Matthew 12:36-37 (NKJV) "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

2. Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV) Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

B. Most of us understand that cursing and swearing is sinful. However, we seem to have created a multi-level system of bad words in our thinking. Some words are worse than others.

1. For many people in the world today, there are no taboo words. Some wit observed that if those folks got mad and wanted to curse somebody out, they would be in trouble. There are no curse words they don't already use in everyday conversation.

2. Christians, though, who try to avoid those kind of words still have problems. Members of this church are heard to use the name of God as a by-word from time to time. They may not use the particular two-word phrase that everybody understands to be swearing. But anytime we use God's name in an irreverent, off-handed way, we're guilty of taking His name in vain.

3. There is a growing coarseness to our language and this is being reflected in the speech of Christians. We live in the world and the world is making its influence heard in the way we talk.

a. "Bathroom language" and slang for particular body parts used to be called vulgarisms. Now -- with the exception of one or two particular four-letter terms -- many people think nothing is wrong with using those words.

b. Bring this subject up and you run the risk of being called a prude or a fanatic. At the very least, people are ready to defend their right to talk as they please. "My language is not hurting anybody. It's nobody's business what words I use," they argue.

4. Christians, the eating of meat principle rears its head again. It may be difficult to find scripture which forbids certain words (other than those involving the name of God). However, the consciences of many people teach that those words are wrong. When you use those words, you may do one of two things:

a. By your example, you may cause an impressionable person to follow your pattern of speech and begin using those words . . . even though their conscience tells them they should not speak that way. If so, they are sinning against their conscience and you have led them to do it. How much better it is to be a "pattern of sound words" [2 Timothy 1:13].

b. Or you may offend people who do not appreciate coarse language. If you do, you have seriously limited your influence with them. If you later approach that person attempting to talk with them about Christ, will they be willing to listen to what you have to say?

CONCLUSION

1. Souls matter . . . more than any rights or liberties we might want to enjoy. We should not ever behave in a way that causes a barrier to be built between a person and their desire to obey the gospel of Christ.

2. We've talked today about the problem in the first-century city of Corinth. Pagans offered meat as sacrifices in temples of gods and goddesses they worshiped. That meat was later sold in the meat markets. While it was not wrong to eat that meat, it was wrong to act in a way which hindered another's faith.

3. Then we considered four areas of modern-day applications.

a. Drinking alcoholic beverages

b. Dressing inappropriately

c. Going places and doing things which are inconsistent with our Christian values

d. Speech which uses unwholesome words

4. In everything we do, we should give glory to God [1 Corinthians 10:31].

5. Invitation