Ripe for Harvest

S ESSION 2: P REPARE • 131

2 Pet. 2.19 (ESV) – They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. Jude 1.4 (ESV) – For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. 1. We are to stand fast in our liberty in Christ, that is, to live freely according to our biblically bound consciences before God, and not on the basis of external rules, regulations, and judgments of others. Gal. 5.13-14 (ESV) – For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 2. We have been set free in Christ in order to become loving servants to others, and not to offend Christians of weaker consciences. Rom. 14.13-15 (ESV) – Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. Rom. 14.20 (ESV) – Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. B. We have been set free in Christ in order to edify the body in love. 1 Cor. 8.9 (ESV) – But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

Context Values/Vision Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Schedule/Charter

1 Cor. 10.32 (ESV) – Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.