8:1 - ... knowledge puffs up while love builds up. - True. If you have ever talked with someone when they think they are right (even if they are) it is really unsatisfying. They keep pushing their opinion and it makes it hard to communicate. On the other hand, when someone is responding in love they listen and you are left with a deep sense of satisfaction. Make sure when you talk it is not out of knowledge, but love first. If the love doesn't lead the way, you are probably walking in pride or control.
8:6 - One God (the Father), one Lord (Jesus Christ)
8:9 - Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. - This verse has been used to manipulate and control people for decades because people misunderstand it. If you follow in the verse 11 you realize Paul is talking about doing something that will lead a weaker Christian to start sinning and walk away from God. This is not about preferences. It is not about whether someone else approves of what you are doing, but if what you are doing convinces them to do something their hearts and minds can't handle. It would be like this. If I drink a beer every once in a while and someone doesn't approve that is not what this verse means. However, if I have a friend who is a recovering alcoholic and I go to the bar a couple times a week, he sees that and starts going to and he eventually ends up drinking again I have done what Paul prohibits. Really it is about loving people enough to consider them even in how you live.
8:13 - Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, SO THAT I will not cause them to fall. - I love that Paul loves his brother in Christ enough to even give up BBQ for the sake of his brother's faith/ What in your life should you give up for the sake of someone else?
9:7-14 - This section is about paying those who minister to you. Love this verse although some percentages would have been helpful. HA!
9:16 - For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! - I definitely feel this way.
9:19 - Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
9:20-21 - I am not under the law, but I am under Christ's law.
9:24 - ... Run in such a way as to get the prize. - All running is not the same. some of us jog through faith and then wonder why we don't get what we are hoping for. You have to run hard and disciplined. We will not see the church in Pueblo West we hope for by running like everyone else around us!!!
9:27 - ... so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. - It is about your walk with Jesus first. You need to have such a well developed and intimate relationship with Christ first, SO THAT you have something to offer others. Why work so hard to make sure others no Him when you don't know Him well yourself. Live a qualified life.
Love, Michael
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