The Big Idea of this study is that what we sometimes call “the life of faith” is really a life of action.  True belief is not just a matter of our heads or hearts; it requires participation in the work of Jesus.

In Love Does, Bob Goff states: “I used to think that being a believer was enough, but now I know that God wants participants,”  I often put it this way: “I want to not only believe in Jesus, I want to act like I believe in what Jesus believed in…for even the devil believes in Jesus.”

In our text the Apostle Paul is summarizing discussion on believers attending idol festivals. In doing so he concludes with some important principles for living out our Christian faith. Put simply, following Jesus will make a big difference in how we live compared to people who don’t know Jesus.

We do everything for the glory of God!  That is a huge statement. It encompasses everything we do: work, leisure activities and our Christian service. Everything for the glory of God. Everything with the intent of praise and honour going to Jesus. Therefore, be careful that your behavior doesn’t do the opposite and malign the intent of the Gospel. Paul calls this “causing others to stumble.” When followers of Jesus act in ways that confuse nonbelievers about what it means to be saved or when we confuse new believers, it certainly does not help the cause of Christ.

In everything we are to follow the example of Jesus. This needs to be our highest priority but it is a grand task and will require some real sacrifices. Just like Jesus.

Questions for Discussion:

1.  While in Paul’s day eating at idol festivals was a hot topic in Christian circles with lots of debate, what are the hot topics today for believers? To vaccinate or not? Alcohol consumption? Etc?

2.  What does it mean to do everything for the glory of God? How do we do that at work or school when it is not always acceptable to even mention Jesus?

3.  In what ways can your everyday life affirm the truth of the Gospel and in so doing, bring glory to God?

4.  How can we remember to put others first and not simply make decisions in our own best interest but for “the good of many” as Paul puts it?

5.  Why is it important to keep referring back to Jesus as our example and not get too enamoured with the teaching or example of fellow believers?