1 Corinthians 8:1–9:23
Key Verse 9:22 “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”
1. Why was it a serious issue to eat food sacrificed to idols? (8:1-8, cf. Daniel 1:8) What does Paul say about knowledge and love, and how did Paul apply it to food sacrificed to idols?
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2. What is the danger of exercising Christian freedom without love, and why is this so serious? (8:9–12) What was Paul’s personal resolution? (8:13) What are some ways exercising your Christian freedom can cause others to stumble?
3. What rights of apostles does Paul mention, and why? (9:1–6) What illustrations does he use to support an apostle’s right to be supported financially? (9:7–12a,13,14)
4. What did Paul do with this right? (9:12b,15a) What were his reasons for not using it? (9:12b,15–18) What were his motives for preaching the gospel? (9:16–18)
5. How did Paul use his Christian freedom? (9:19) How did he apply this principle practically? (9:20–22a) How is this related to matter of eating food sacrificed to idols and building up others in love?
6. Note the repeated use of “all” in 9:22b. What does this show about Paul’s passion to save souls? How can you apply this principle to your life of faith?