1. Read Hosea 6:4-6. Now read Matthew 12:3-8: what do these words mean, “For I desire mercy not sacrifice…?” Who’s mercy? Who’s sacrifice? See also Matthew 9:10-13.
2. 1 Samuel 15:22-23. “To obey is better than sacrifice.” How is this the same as desiring mercy and not sacrifice? Why is obedience better than sacrifice? Do obedience and sacrifice sometimes go hand-in-hand (see, e.g., Jesus’ example in Luke 22:42)? How can we tell whether we are being asked to sacrifice? Is extra sacrifice, for the sake of sacrifice, more commendable (see also Matthew 10:16 and compare with 1 Peter 3:17).
3. Freedom in Christ; Galatians 5:1. What does it mean to be free in Christ (see Galatians 5:2-6, for example, where Paul chastises those who depend on something other than Christ’s resurrection)?
4. A BIG QUESTION. Romans 14:15, how do we decide whether to refrain from an activity (assuming it’s not blatantly a sin…); see also 1 Corinthians 6:12 and 1 Corinthians 10:23 and context.
5. Compare these two types of ‘freedom:’ freedom in Christ and ‘freedom’ from lawlessness (i.e. ‘doing whatever you want’); see 1 John 3:4. Where does freedom in Christ lead to, where does ‘freedom’ in lawlessness lead to; see Romans 6:15-23? Read 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; in Christ there is freedom and that freedom leads to transformation.
6. Romans 14:1-23 (see also Colossians 3:12-17). Think about this in the context of 1 Corinthians 12 (the Body of Christ). Discuss Romans 14:1; what are disputable matters? Romans 14:4, how can we judge others when we do not know their heart (what are the two ways that we are allowed to judge biblically: Matthew 7:16-20, Galatians 1:8-9)? Romans 14:8, how should we govern our actions and decide whether what we are doing is in accordance with living like Jesus? What is the meaning of Romans 14:19-21?
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