Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:32-33
I continue my study of 1 Corinthians, moving on with a review of 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary volume for this book. From the commentary for this text:
Main idea: "Glorify God by doing whatever you can to serve others and bring them to salvation."
Key excerpts from the introduction:
- "In the process of dealing with this situation, Paul will put forward seven principles to help us navigate difficult issues the Bible does not directly address."
- "In motive and action the glory of God must be preeminent for the believer. Bringing him glory is essential to the mission of the church. His glory should be our one ambition."
Major divisions:
- I Will Always Pursue What Is Helpful and Builds Up (10:23): Referring back to 1 Corinthians 6:12 and 9:21, the commentary underscores core misunderstandings of the Corinthians (and many believers of today), and how freedom from ceremonial law and freedom from works as being the only means to please God should not be used to distort God's intent which is to bring glory to God in all that we do through a heart fully committed to God and through our efforts to save others. For example, we may be free to use a smart phone but if an unbeliever has struggles with pornography, perhaps we should encourage him/her to avoid use of a smart phone that enables ease of access to such sin...and similarly, we should avoid any behavior in this person's presence that encourages intense use of a smart phone. The commentary quotes Curtis Vaughn's commentary by sharing that '[Christian] liberty should be limited by consideration for the well-being of others.'
- I Will Always Pursue What Is Good for Others (10:24): "Christians are never to act in ways that harm and hurt others. Rather, we are to help them grow in Christlike-ness and build them up in their faith."
- I Will Always Pursue What Is in the Best Interest of Another’s Conscience (10:25-29): "The meat you eat is a part of God’s good creation and God’s provision for your nourishment. Eat it. Enjoy it! No need to ask any questions about it....However—and this is a big however—“if someone says to you, ‘This is food from a sacrifice,’ do not eat it, out of consideration of the one who told you, and for the sake of [their] conscience....we cannot send mixed signals and foster confusion for unbelievers and believers alike....For the sake of evangelizing the lost and edifying a fellow believer, no uncertain sound should be trumpeted. The gospel is at stake, and your witness is on the line. The spiritual well-being of others takes precedence. On this occasion, a vegetarian meal will be just fine."
- I Will Always Pursue a Thankful Heart (10:29-30): "We should be thankful for God’s gracious provisions of drink and nourishment. It all belongs to him and comes from him. We know that. Why make an issue of something when there is no issue and draw criticism over “something for which [we] give thanks?” Doing so would be foolish, silly, and unprofitable for everyone. We must each choose to pursue a thankful heart and place no unnecessary stumbling blocks before anyone."
- I Will Always Pursue the Glory of God in All Things (10:31): "First Corinthians 10:31 is a verse every Christian should memorize. It has been one of my life verses. I believe Paul intended it to be a foundational pillar in our lives that offers direction 24/7. It is comprehensive and all-encompassing in nature....glorifying God means we love him, trust him, are thankful to him, obey him, enjoy him, and take pleasure in him."
- I Will Always Pursue What Is Best for the Salvation of Others (10:32-33): "Others may be offended when we share the gospel, but they should never be offended by how we live out the gospel. Their souls and eternal destinies matter more than any right, privilege, or desire you or I may have....We must consistently prize the spiritual welfare of others above any personal preferences we have....The eternal destinies of men, women, and children hang in the balance."
- I Will Always Pursue the Principles of WWPD and WWJD (11:1): What would Paul and Jesus Do. "We all need role models, examples we can follow and imitate. For the Christian the ultimate example is Christ. To glorify God by being like Jesus should be our consuming passion that helps fuel our ambition. But we need flesh-and-blood role models, too. Paul knew he could provide that for the Corinthians. But who is providing that for you? Are you providing that for anyone else?....To live like Jesus, you must know Jesus. To live like Jesus, you must love Jesus. So, let me ask a question we all must answer. If others were to follow your example and imitate you, would they in some real and genuine sense be imitating Jesus? Or, to put it another way, can your children follow in your footsteps and in the process be walking in the footsteps of Jesus?"
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is SO good to me by providing both Yourself, Your Word, the church, the Holy Spirit, and so many brothers and sisters in Christ that I have examples and help to become more like You. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love and grace. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
