All to the Glory of God (1 Cor 10:23-11:1) *All verses in NKJV*
– 1 Cor. 10:23-11:1, All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; 26 for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”
27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” 29 “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience? 30 But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks?
31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
11 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
– Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth, attempting to address some of the issues and misunderstandings they are dealing with as a diverse church in a multi-cultural city.
– Paul mentions to them again the freedom they have in Christ, like he did in chapter 6. “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not profitable.” Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Basically, your freedom in Christ can have consequences for you if you abuse it.
– 1 Cor. 6:19-20, Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
– Why? Because Christ died for you. He paid the price. Don’t wreck his stuff (your body and spirit.)
– Paul also addresses again eating meat sacrificed to idols, as he did in chapter 8. “But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.” Basically, your use of freedom can have consequences for others. Consider who you might hurt by your choices.
– 1 Cor. 8:11-13, And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
– Why? Because your choices, even if they don’t violate YOUR conscience and you don’t see as sin, is sin if it is leading a fellow believer to violate THEIR conscience and sin. Christ died for them too.
– This leads into tonight’s verses. Paul gives further definition and instruction on how to balance spiritual freedom and the effects it can have on those around you. (Believers and non-believers.)
– People operate better when they know more than just “what” to do, they also know “why” they should be doing it. What is the intent behind it? What does success look like? How it is applied…
– People will need to understand “why,” so they can focus on what is really important. (When the situation doesn’t involve idols or meat, they still need principles to choose the right course of action.)
– Paul is specifically addressing not eating meat sacrificed to idols, and avoiding sexual sin, and not even giving the appearance of idol worship… And it isn’t the first time the apostles have taught that.
– Acts 15:28-29, For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.
– But it is MORE than that! Paul is laying the foundation for how we should operate in any situation. He is giving instruction and setting the example, so that we can make godly choices while also understanding why we are choosing it.
- Seek the well-being of others. (v24)
– 1 Cor. 10:24, Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.
– Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. You must consider MORE than just your needs.
– Verses 25-30 are about eating meat while at dinner at a non-Christian’s house, and a real scenario. But it is also teaching them “why” so they can apply it to other situations in their life.
– It becomes an example showing what it looks like to put the needs of others before your own. An example prioritizing the well-being of others and of honor Jesus in everything you do.
– Paul talks about consciousness’ sake, ours and theirs. It’s about making decisions based on protecting their conscious, over considering our own wants and desires.
– Verse 32 says, “Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God…”
– Be careful not to run scripture through your own cultural filter, and be sure to read it in context.
– Being offended has become an art form in our culture. A highly esteemed position to be in. This use of “give no offense…” in context is better translated “don’t put a stumbling block…”.
– The Greek word implies imagery of a stone or a stick in someone path that they would trip over. An obstacle. (Stabbing a stick in someone’s bike spokes… “running your race”, but it’s a Spartan Race…)
– Ask yourself, Is this helping or hurting the cause for Christ? Does this further the gospel?
– 1 John 2:10, He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
– There is a balance! You can’t avoid all offense. Some may be offended by our faith in Christ or by our biblical convictions. Don’t compromise truth/righteousness for the sake of other people’s feelings.
– 1 Cor. 1:18, For the message of the cross is foolishness (an offensive) to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
– Some people aren’t “weak in conscience”, they are needy, self-centered, and obstinate. They want to misuse scripture to guilt you into giving up your convictions, while keeping their own preferences.
– Your goal is to avoid unnecessary offense, as much as it depends on you.
– Example: In communication, I believe it is more important what the receiver hears than what was said. Why? Because that is the message which will spread. My goal is not to SAY the right thing, but to make sure they HEAR the right thing, through their filters and interpretations of my words.
– 80% of communication is non-verbal. 50% body language, 30% vocal tone. (This is mainly talking about when non-verbal and verbal are not congruent. People believe non-verbal.)
– Your actions are speaking louder than your words.
– In their eyes, you are speaking for all Christians, and even Christ himself. They haven’t read the bible, so they are going to “take your word for it”. You better get it right! (The actions of others have spoken for you already. Unfortunately something you’ll have to overcome too…)
– You actions are speaking, let them say that you’re seeking the well-being of others, not your own.
– Phil 2:3-4, Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
– Titus 2:7-8, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
– Romans 12:18, If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
– That means holding YOURSELF accountable to what is right, having self-control and discipline.
- Seek to glorify God. (v31)
– 1 Cor. 10:31, Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
– Here is the foundational guiding principle. From the scenarios described, from meat and idols and all that Paul is preaching, whatever you are doing… glorify God in your words and actions. That’s it!
– Why should you give up your rights, and put the needs of other people above your own? Why should you curb your behavior? Why have self-control? In an effort to glorify your God.
– What is the intent and desired outcome? That God being glorified through you, others would come to know him and receive their salvation. The goal: The gospel message being understood by those who need it.
– The gospel is without flaw. The issues only come through the delivery of the message.
– Col. 3:17, And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
– 1 Peter 4:11, If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
- Seek to follow an example. Seek to imitate Christ. (v11:1)
Point #1 was “what” we should be doing. Give up our rights, avoid idols, seek the best for others.
Point #2 was “why” we should be doing it. To glorify God, and to bring others to his saving grace.
Point #3 is “how” we are supposed to do that. What does that look like in practice?
– Ben Franklin once said, “Well done is better than well said.”
– Example: I rarely get something right the first time I try it. “Telling” me how to do something will not be enough. I need someone to show me the right way to do something.
– Show me what success looks like, and I will copy it and recreate it.
– 1 Cor. 11:1, (Paul said) Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
– Phil 3:17, (Paul said) Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
– 1 Cor. 9:19-23, For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake…
– Paul didn’t just tell them what to do, he showed them, But… Paul is just modeling Jesus!
– Follow Paul’s example of what it should look like to follow Christ.
– Being Christ-like is the true goal.
– 1 Peter 2:20-21, For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
– 1 John 2:5-6, But whoever keeps His (Jesus) word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He (Jesus) walked.
– John 13:15, (Jesus said) For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. (He said this after washing the disciple’s feet.)
– Philippians 2:5-8, Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
– Christ gave up his rights, and died on the cross, for our salvation and benefit. He is our example.
– prayer –
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