February 25, 2024
1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1
“He > Me”
Service Overview: Just because someone can do something doesn’t mean they should do something. This is especially important for Jesus’ followers to consider because in coming to Jesus, their life is no longer their own and Jesus calls all his followers to live for more than merely themselves.
Memory Verse for the Week:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
Background and/or Technical Insights:
- (v.23) Paul was responding to the quote of the Corinthians. He was not himself teaching that all things are lawful. Obviously, believers are not free to disobey Christ or God’s moral law. This argument was a misinterpretation of Paul’s view of freedom in Christ. (Grant R. Osborne, 1 & 2 Corinthians, 144)
- Paul does not want the Corinthians to forget about his concern for the weak in the community. Therefore, he constructs a hypothetical scenario in which a Christian dining in the house of an unbeliever is informed by someone else that the meat being served is hierothyton, “sacrificial meat.” … Under such circumstances, Paul says, the Christian should not eat the food for the sake of the other person’s conscience (vv. 28–29a). (Richard B. Hays, First Corinthians, 176)
- (re: v.11:1) It is regrettable that the chapter division (introduced centuries later) has caused many readers to miss the connection of 11:1 to the foregoing argument. In fact, the entire treatment of idol food (8:1–11:1) should be read in the light of this closing call for imitation. Paul has presented himself as exhibit A of giving up prerogatives in order to reach out to others (8:13, chapter 9 in its entirety, 10:33); furthermore, what has been implicit throughout is now at last made explicit: the fundamental pattern of self-emptying, on which Paul’s own actions are based, is Christ. (Richard B. Hays, First Corinthians, 179)
- Paul concludes this section regarding strengthening authentic fellowship in the body of Christ by reiterating a theme he first introduced in 1 Corinthians 6: “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable” (6:12; 10:23). Putting the two principles together, we get both the negative and the positive boundaries for exercising Christian liberty. (Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on 1 & 2 Corinthians, 151)
- with regard to sacrificed meat eaten at an unbeliever’s home (the outside, lightest blue circle), Paul says that if the unsaved host does not mention where the meat came from, believers may eat freely (10:25). If the one serving the guests makes a point that the meat was sacrificed to idols, however, then he is likely to be viewing the meal as an extension of his own devotion to the pagan god. In that case, for the sake of the Christian’s testimony and the conscience of weaker believers, the Christian should quietly abstain from eating the food (10:27-29). (Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on 1 & 2 Corinthians, 152)
What considerations does Paul want the church to embrace in order to truly be a counter-cultural people?
- Profit potential; because Jesus’ people are to be driven by that which benefits others.
(vv. 23-24, 33 | Ps. 34:14; Rom. 14:19-20; 15:2; 1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 4:29; 1 Thes. 5:11; Heb. 12:14)
Paul . . . was not suggesting that he was a compromiser or man-pleaser (Gal. 1:10). He was affirming the fact that his life and ministry was centered on helping others rather than on promoting himself and his own desires. (Wiersbe, Be Wise, 96)
Liberty should be limited by consideration for the well-being of others. (Curtis Vaughn, 1 Corinthians, 106)
Selfishness is the controlling force of sinful living. It is this motive which pulsates through the natural mind, emotions and will – self-pleasing, self-serving, living for self. (Walter Chantry, The Shadow of the Cross, 11)
- Conscience constraints; because Jesus’ people are not to take needless offense or cause others to stumble.
(vv. 25-30, 32 | Ps. 24:1; Acts 10:14; 15:29; Rom. 14:1-23; 1 Cor. 8:1-13; Heb. 10:24)
The strong Christian knows that offering meat to an idol cannot really alter its character, for the idol is nothing; his conscience is clear. But a pagan observer thinks the idol is a god, and thus sees the Christian who [knowingly] eats the meat as sanctioning his idolatry. A weak Christian observer will be in danger of being harmed in the way noted earlier (8:10-13). Whatever the status of the informer, then, the wise and kindly course for the strong Christian is to abstain from eating. (Leon Morris, 1 Corinthians, 147)
There are stumbling-blocks in the gospel message that dare not be removed, most centrally the cross of Christ (1:18–2:5). But the path must be cleared of all unnecessary obstacles, and a legalistic lifestyle that depicts Christianity as submission to a long list of dos and don’ts has been one of the major hindrances to faith for unbelievers in most periods of church history. (Craig L. Blomberg, 1 Corinthians, 273)
- God’s glory and the gospel; because Jesus’ people are partners on mission to advance a Kingdom.
(vv. 31-11:1 | Mat. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; John 15:8; Rom. 1:16-17; 11:36; 1 Peter 3:15)
Paul’s focus was not to seek his own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. (Grant R. Osborne, 1 & 2 Corinthians, 148)
the glory of God is served when God’s people serve one another and live in loving unity. (Richard B. Hays, First Corinthians, 178)
In the Bible we find no gap between the call to follow Jesus and the call to engage in mission. (J.D. Greear, Gaining by Losing, 150)
Conclusion… How are we challenged to live in light of these counter-cultural considerations?
A. By doing that which promotes the glory of God and the good of others.
(Romans 14:19; 15:2-3; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 4:29; Phil. 2:3 ; 1 Thes. 5:11)
In some ways, this is the fullest expression of what Christian love is all about. It does not seek its own; it does not believe that “finding oneself” is the highest good; it is not enamored with self-gain, self-justification, self-worth. To the contrary, it seeks the good of one’s neighbor – or enemy. (Gordon Fee, 1 Corinthians, 638)
Our identity as God’s people is given its indelible character by its conformity to Christ’s example. (Richard B. Hays, First Corinthians, 181)
Fear is self-protecting. Love is self-giving. Fear asks, “What will I lose?” Love asks, “What can I give to others?” Fear moves away from the problem. Love moves toward the problem. Fear secludes self. Love reaches out beyond self. Fear hesitates. Love moves ahead. Fear can be cast out. Love can cast out fear. (Sherry Allchin, Study on Overcoming Fear and Anxiety, August 13, 2013, BiblicalCounselingCenter.org)
Do you eat or drink? Do it to the glory of God. Do you play baseball or hockey? Do it to the glory of God. Do you preach or teach? Do it to the glory of God. Whether you fix tires, serve fast food, study algebra, clean homes, run for president, or raise children—all of these things should be done with one purpose: God’s glory. (Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on 1 & 2 Corinthians, 154)
B. By learning to temper our rights for the cause of Christ.
(Mat. 5:9; 1 Corinthians 8:9-13; 13:5; Phil 2:3-4; Hebrews 12:14; James 3:18; )
Christians should not make a career out of being the offended people with oversensitive consciences. (Grant R. Osborne, 1 & 2 Corinthians, 147)
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. (Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians, 214)
Christians should be willing to set aside their right to exercise Christian freedom for the sake of fellowship with God and with one another. The truth of the gospel of Christ is already offensive enough (1:17-18), and we must never surrender our stand on the non-negotiable truths of the person and work of Jesus Christ—even if it seems like foolishness to the world. (Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on 1 & 2 Corinthians, 152)
Gospel Connection…
Jesus came not only to save, but to serve and invite his followers to a life of imitation for the sake of his Kingdom.
(Mat. 11:29; 1 Cor. 4:16; Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:6-7; 1 Tim. 1:16; Hebrews 6:12; 1 Peter 5:3)
We don’t serve to convert; we serve because we are converted. (J.D. Greear, Gaining by Losing, 124)
All Christians should be so focused on bringing others to Christ that nothing stands in the way of that goal. Paul followed his own advice (see 8:13; 10:33) and encouraged the believers to follow his example. (Grant R. Osborne, 1 & 2 Corinthians, 149)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- 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?
- What biblical principles can Christians apply to issues the Bible does not directly address?
- When should Christians be concerned about the opinions of others? When should they not be?
- In what way do we glorify God by seeking the good of others and caring for the consciences of others?
- Are there things you should change in order to better seek the benefit of others so that they might be saved? Explain.
Quotes to note…
Lasting service comes when we serve God from His acceptance, not for His acceptance. (Bryan Chapell, Holiness by Grace, 193)
When…people learn to rely not on their own power and wisdom, but to depend on God, there is no limit to their usefulness in God’s service. (J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership, 145)
At each stage of [spiritual] growth, more self-denial is required, more painful blows to self, more reckless decision to serve the Lord Christ with consequent abandonment of one’s own life. (Walter Chantry, The Shadow of the Cross, 25)
Few souls understand what God would accomplish in them if they were to abandon themselves unreservedly to Him and if they were to allow His grace to mold them accordingly. (Ignatius)
Forsaking oneself for Christ’s sake is not an optional step of discipleship subsequent to conversion; it is the sine qua non of saving faith. (John MacArthur, The Gospel According to Jesus, 135)
The Corinthians said, “Everything is permissible” (cf. 6:12), but this slogan reveals a misunderstanding of grace and the Christian life. We now live “under the law of Christ” (9:21), a law that focuses on loving others. Thus, we are not free to do anything we want. We must live in a way that advances the gospel among the nations. (Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians, 210)
Christians have essential freedom in morally neutral matters, but their behavior must be tempered with concern for others. (Craig L. Blomberg, 1 Corinthians, 272)
the glory of God is served when God’s people serve one another and live in loving unity. (Richard B. Hays, First Corinthians, 178)
It is not enough to ask yourself, “Does God’s Word permit me to use these good things of the world?” You must also inquire, “Will it serve the glory of God?” and, “Will it edify my fellow Christians?” (Walter Chantry, The Shadow of the Cross, 45)
A selfless man will be characterized by patience, restraint and an eagerness to do what is best for the object of his affections. (Voddie Baucham, What He Must Be, 115)
God creates out of nothing. Therefore, until a man is nothing, God can make nothing out of him. (Martin Luther, The Early Years, Christian History, n. 34)
Freedom in God’s world never comes apart from structure. When one is free to live as God intended, he is truly free indeed. (Jay Adams, Christian Living in the Home, 75)