The Bible teaches that: some behaviors are black or white: they are always right or always wrong for everyone all the time while other behaviors are gray: there is not a universal “right/wrong” position for everyone

“Gray areas” for the N.T. Christians: - could they eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols? (1 Corinthians 8:4, 10:25) - could they eat anything or just vegetables? (Romans 14) - was one day more sacred than another? (Romans 14)

“Gray areas” for 21 st century Christians

How do we decide if a behavior is black, white, or gray? 1)Ask, “Does the Bible specifically (or in principle) declare it to be right or wrong?” 2)Pray – ask God for wisdom 3)Seek advice from godly people

How do we decide if a behavior is black, white, or gray? 1)Ask, “Does the Bible specifically (or in principle) declare it to be right or wrong?” 2)Pray – ask God for wisdom 3)Seek advice from godly people Unavoidable reality: Some Christians will “get it wrong” and call moral absolutes gray areas (or vice versa)

Three gray area guidelines: 1)be fully convinced of your position (be confident) 2)don’t judge or condemn others for a different view (don’t be arrogant) 3)don’t cause a “weak” person to stumble (be sensitive)

Three gray area guidelines: 1)be fully convinced of your position (be confident) One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.(Romans 14:5)

Three gray area guidelines: 1)be fully convinced of your position (be confident) 2)don’t judge or condemn others for a different view (don’t be arrogant) The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him…. Stop passing judgment on one another. (Romans 14:3, 13)

Three gray area guidelines: 1)be fully convinced of your position (be confident) 2)don’t judge or condemn others for a different view (don’t be arrogant) 3)don’t cause a “weak” person to stumble (be sensitive) 1 Corinthians 8:4, 7, Corinthians 10:23-33

1)Reflect: how are you doing with the “gray area guidelines?” 2)Remember: following the gray area guidelines” is worth the effort. 3)Commit: We must stay united in our mission despite our disagreements over gray areas.