Cleveland County herald., 1921-09-15

LESSON 1EAI-l Cor. lO.E5-55i S.lo H.
 GOLDEN TEXT-Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do. do all to the glory of God.-I Cor. 10:31.
 REFERENCE MATERIAL-Rom. 12:1; 4:13-21; 15:1, 2; 1 Cor. 6:9-20; 9:19-N.
 PRIMARY TOPIC-A Clean. Strong Body.
 JUNIOR TOPIC-How to Win the Race
 INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC Presenting Ones Body a Living Sacri- flee.
 YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC The True Meaning of Temperance
 The occasion of this teaching was the uncertainty as to the right atti- tude toward things sacrificed unto idols." This problem was most vital while the Christians were in the midst of the heathen, and with some modi- tications no less vital still. In min questions arise, such as amusements, way of spending Sunday, enjoyment of luxuries, owning stock in certain corporations, etc. Our lesson contains principles adequate for our guidance in all these problems.
 It was customary to divide the an- imal offered in sacrifice into three parts. One part was consumed on the altar, another part was given to tse priest and the third part was kept by the party bringing the offer ing. The priests part was frequently sold in the markets. The part which the offerer kept was sometimes eaten at home and sometimes in the court of the temple. The Christian who bought meat in the market was liable to get meat which had been dedicated to the idol god. Then, too, one would be invited to eat socially at the table of someone who had kept his portion of his offering and now set it before his guests. Some with adequate knowledge had no scruples about it; others with less knowledge thought 1t sinful. The one who has knowledge should bear with the weak one, and at the same time should seek to teach his brother the truth so as to set him free from bondage of superstition. The glory of God should control in all things.
 1. "AIl Things Are Lawful for Me" (v. 23).
 This declaration is limited of course, by things which are right in themselves. It is not true that a Christian is free to do those things which are wrong The Christian can only indulge in lawful things" as they are expedient and unto edifica ton. As individual Christians we have liberty 10 do many things which because of their influence on our fel- low Christians we should abstain from.
 Even with ones self that which is not edifying should be ruled out.
 II. Let No Man Seek His Own" (v. 24).
 The Christian is under the control of love. The controlling principle of love is unselfishness The one domi- mated by love considers the others in- terests rather than his own.
 III. "Eat the Food Set Before You" (vv. 25-30).
 It is not incumbent upon us to be on the hunt for occasions of the con science either of ourselves or others. Exercise your freedom in the enjoy ment of all right things which the Lord places before you, but as soon as it is brought to your attention that certain things are to the disadvan- tage of others, you should desiSt; that is, exercise self-control.
 W. DO All to the Glory of God" (v. 3D.
 This is the grand and supreme rule of life for the Christian. The Chris tian is not at liberty to do that upon which he could not ask the blessing of God, In our eating, employ ments and pleasures, we should have as our transcendent aim Gods glory. How could one ask Gods blessing up- on the intoxicating cup dancing, gam bling, theatergoing, Sunday desecra- tion, luxurious extravaganza, etc?
 V. "Give No Occasion for Anyone to Stumble" (v. 32).
 We should so live that no one can ever say that we have been the occa- sion of their downfall.
 VI. Follow the Example of Jesus Christ Q1:D.
 Christ through love gave up all for the sake of others. He did not please himself. Everyone, therefore, who is a Christian should initiate Him.
 Vll The Christians Body Is the  Temple of the Holy Ghost 6 :16, ID.
 This great truth is true of the Church as body, but that which is true of the body is true of the indi- vidual composing the body; so the point in this Scripture is the serious consequence of defiling the body.