Discussion Guide: How to Use Your Freedom Wisely

Discussion Guide

Sunday Sermon 1.18

How to Use Your Freedom Wisely

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Opening Prayer

Start by praying that God would open our hearts to His Word and give us the humility to honestly evaluate our lives according to His truth.

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Key Takeaways from the Sermon

- Idolatry is anything we love, trust, or serve more than God. We must constantly evaluate what competes for our allegiance to Christ.

- Christian ethics should be driven not by what we're allowed to do, but by what will help others see Christ. - - - Our freedom must be regulated by love.

- Every decision is an opportunity to make much of God. We are called to live 24/7 for His glory, not just during church services.

- We can't have divided loyalty. We cannot drink from the Lord's cup and the cup of demons, our allegiance must be clear.

Main Point: As believers, our freedom in Christ is real but must be governed by three things:

1. Loyalty to Christ

2. Love for others

3. The glory of God

Key Verse: "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

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Discussion Questions

Part 1: Remaining Loyal to Jesus

1. Understanding Idolatry

The sermon defined idolatry as "misplaced worship—loving, trusting, or serving something more than God." What are some modern-day idols that believers might struggle with?

2. Mixed Messages

Paul warns against sending mixed messages about our loyalty. Can you think of a time when your choices might have confused others about where your true loyalty lies?

3. Personal Reflection

If someone watched your life closely this past week, who would they think you're truly loyal to? What evidence would they see?

4. The Flee Command

Paul says to "flee from idolatry" (v. 14). What does it practically look like to "run away" from an idol in today's world?

Part 2: Choosing to Love Others 

5. Freedom vs. Responsibility

Paul says "all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful" (v. 23). Share an example of something you have the freedom to do but choose not to for the sake of others.

6. Eternal Perspective

The sermon emphasized that "eternity hangs in the balance." How does keeping an eternal perspective change the way you interact with unbelievers?

7. Building Up vs. Tearing Down

What are some practical ways we can use our freedom to build others up spiritually rather than cause them to stumble?

8. The Ethiopia Example

The pastor shared about wearing a suit in Ethiopia despite the heat. When have you had to set aside personal preferences to love someone else well?

Part 3: Living for God's Glory 

9. Making Much of God

What does it mean practically to "make much of God" in everyday activities like eating, working, or spending time with family?

10. All of Life as Worship

The sermon stated that "every bit of our life is worship." How does this challenge the idea that worship only happens on Sunday mornings?

11. The Jersey Illustration

We all wear a spiritual "jersey" that shows who we represent. What does your jersey communicate to those around you—at work, at home, in your neighborhood?

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Practical Application

Take 5-7 minutes of silence for each person to honestly answer these questions:

- Loyalty Check: Is there an area of my life where my loyalty to Christ is divided or unclear?

- Love Check: Who in my life needs me to set aside my preferences for their spiritual good?

- Glory Check: What's one specific decision I'll face this week where I can consciously choose to glorify God?

Choose ONE of these to commit to this week:

1. Take a "Loyalty Walk" - Spend 20-30 minutes walking and honestly evaluating: Is my life consumed with loyalty to Christ, love for others, and God's glory?

2. Identify One Idol - Prayerfully ask God to reveal one thing that competes with Him for your devotion. Make a plan to "flee" from it.

3. Make One Sacrificial Choice - Identify one freedom or preference you'll set aside this week for the spiritual benefit of someone else.

4. Practice Glory Awareness - Before each meal this week, pause to thank God and recognize that even eating is an opportunity to glorify Him.

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Prayer Time

Pray together:

- For God to reveal any divided loyalties or hidden idols in our hearts

- For love and compassion for the lost people in our lives

- That our lives would clearly communicate who we belong to

- For the grace to be doers of the Word, not just hearers

Closing Thought 

"You don't know if you're going to get tomorrow. So that's a big part of it. Don't assume that day's going to come when things finally get convenient for you to take God seriously."

The time is now. Let's use our freedom wisely, for His glory.