My Own Prison
June 21, 2026
Paul answers a question for the Corinthian Church about an issue that has no bearing on our modern life….meat sacrificed to idols. But, in the process, he’ll address the real issue behind the question, and Paul’s answer should reshape the spiritual life of each and every one of us.
June 21, 2026 • Tony Engedal • TheCrossingChurch.org
1. 1. Freedom for What?
2. Read: 1 Corinthians 8:1-3, Galatians 5:13
3. “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” “Through love serve one another.”
4. Question: When you hear the phrase “freedom in Christ,” what do you naturally think of—freedom from something, or freedom for something? How does Paul challenge our assumptions in these verses?
5. Follow-up: Can you think of an area where you’ve mostly viewed your freedom in Christ through the lens of personal benefit rather than loving others?
6. 2. Knowledge vs. Love
7. Read: 1 Corinthians 8:1, Philippians 2:3-4
8. “Knowledge makes us feel important, but love strengthens the church.”
9. Question: Why do you think spiritual maturity can sometimes lead to pride instead of humility?
10. Follow-up: Have you ever had someone use truth in a way that felt damaging rather than loving? What made the difference?
11. 3. Stronger Christians, Greater Responsibility
12. Read: 1 Corinthians 8:7-12, Romans 14:13
13. “Decide never to put a stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
14. Question: Paul’s concern wasn’t simply being right, but how exercising freedom affected weaker believers. Why do you think this is difficult for Christians to embrace?
15. Follow-up: What are some modern examples where a Christian’s freedom could unintentionally damage another person’s faith?
16. 4. “Is My Freedom Becoming Someone Else’s Prison?”
17. Read: 1 Corinthians 8:9, 1 Peter 2:16
18. “Don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.”
19. Question: Tony mentioned areas like ambition, comfort, entertainment, politics, materialism, and social habits. Which of those areas feels most personally convicting to you right now—and why?
20. Follow-up: Have you ever changed a behavior—not because it was sinful—but because you realized it could negatively affect someone else?
21. 5. Rights vs. Love
22. Read: Philippians 2:5-8, Mark 10:45
23. Jesus had every right and privilege, yet chose humility and service.
24. Question: What stands out to you about the way Jesus used His freedom and authority?
25. Follow-up: What is one “right,” preference, or comfort you find hardest to surrender for the good of others?
26. 6. Being Known by God
27. Read: 1 Corinthians 8:2-3, Colossians 2:2-3
28. “The person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.”
29. Question: What’s the difference between knowing about God and actually knowing and loving God?
30. Follow-up: How can pursuing knowledge without love subtly weaken our faith or relationships?
31. 7. Taking a Next Step
32. Read: 1 Corinthians 8:13, Matthew 25:40
33. “If what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again…”
34. Question: Paul was willing to surrender personal freedom if it meant helping someone else follow Jesus. What would that kind of love look like in your everyday life this week?
35. Closing Challenge: Ask God honestly this week: “Lord, is there any freedom I’m exercising that may be becoming a prison for someone else?”