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Message Notes:
OUR GOAL:
These would no longer be compartments separated from Christ, but each one would be saturated by the influence of Christ.
John 12:24-25
24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world (Fully surrender it to God) will keep it for eternity. NLT
Opinion Compartment = The way you think. Opinions. Perception. Understanding. View.
Black/White Areas of Scripture: Non negotiables for a believer
Gray Areas Scripture does not Directly Address: Room for difference of opinions.
What does this compartment look like when we keep Jesus out?
What does God think about this subject?
Summary statement:
We are guests at Christ’ table with other believers who have different opinions…and that is ok.
There are a few clear rules Jesus sets up for being at His table.
But for most things, He is more than able to guide each individual person to do as He wants.
Our job is to be teachable and full of grace.
Romans 14:1-23
1 Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. (NASB says but not to have quarrels over opinions.) 2 For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. 3 Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval. 5 In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable…V. 12 Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. 13 So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. 14 I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. 15 And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. 16 Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good. 17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. 19 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. 20 Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. 22 You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. 23 But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning. NLT
1. Matters Essential to Salvation
2. Matters Important to the Faith but not Essential for Salvation
3. Matters of Indifference
What is God’s Answer:
Walk with the Holy Spirit through the process of forming our opinions His way.
Steps to make sure your opinions are Godly:
Step 1 - Vet your sources and judge their fruit.
1 John 4:1
Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. NLT
Step 2 - Be teachable before God and others with your opinions.
Psalm 86:11
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. ESV
John 14:26
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. ESV
One of Two Things Tend to Happen When We Do This:
1. You realize your opinion needs to change to be more like Christ.
2. You realize your opinion doesn’t need to change, but your approach does.
Step 3 - Be humble and full of grace in your opinions.
Colossians 3:12-13
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. NLT
Summary Statement:
We are guests at Christ’ table with other believers who have different opinions…and that is ok.
There are a few clear rules Jesus sets up for being at His table.
But for most things, He is more than able to guide each individual person to do as He wants.
Our job is to be teachable and full of grace.
CHALLENGE QUESTIONS:
Before you express your opinion, ask the Holy Spirit to show you if it is a:
1. Matter essential to Salvation, 2. Matter important to the faith but not essential for salvation, or a 3. Matter of indifference.
Ask yourself: Are you being Christ-like with the expression of that opinion? IE. teachable, truthful, humble and full of grace?
If you prayed the prayer to start fresh with God today text “startagain” (one word) to 97000 so we can connect with you and help you take the next steps in this amazing decision.
My Notes:
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