Christian liberty — Faves of Dave - Bible Study

1Cor. 10:23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— 29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

1Cor. 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 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.

I love this passage in that it sums up what Paul has been saying to the Corinthian believers in a way that truly reveals what liberty in Christ is all about. Be careful how you read “All things are lawful” (v. 23), stated twice by Paul. Is Paul really arguing that all things are lawful? Absolutely not! Paul has already chastised them for immorality and pride within the church. If all things were truly lawful, people could live as they want. But there is something more important to Paul that he wants these believers to get, and it’s valuable that we get it too.

Paul echoes what some people in Corinth are saying: "all things are lawful.” Instead of writing out more instructions on how to interpret and apply the Law of Moses, Paul gives them principles to live in a wise manner that should attract people to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul wants Christians to focus on “How can I help someone else understand Jesus” and “How can I help other Christians mature in the faith?”

If they focus on the Law, they’ll be going through life worrying about whether they’ve sinned every time they buy food in the market. That is not the way to live a Christian life. His point is basically that if someone tells you, “This food was sacrificed to idols,” and you eat it, you’re sending a message that could be spiritually harmful to the person who said that. If you don’t know, don’t ask or worry about it. Our thoughts are not to be, “Can I do this or can I not do this?” Our thoughts should be, “Everything I do or don’t do should be with the intention and desire of leading people to Jesus and building them up in their faith.” Does that mean that sometimes we avoid using our liberty in Christ? Sure! But neither serving our own selfish desires in spite of how it might affect others nor living life in constant fear of transgressing a law is liberating in any way.

Living with a single focus on “the glory of God” (v. 31) and the benefit of others is liberating. We can give thanks to God for all that he provides for us. Sometimes what he provides is an opportunity to exercise wisdom in our choices in order to be used by him to lead people to Jesus or build up other believers in their faith. What a privilege!

Paul gives us a little tip to help us do that. He says, “In everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.” Paul does not seek his own advantage. Sometimes it may seem like a sacrifice to avoid or give up something. But if we are looking to serve the advantage of many others, God will use it to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ. That, as we say, is a win-win.

Prayer: Lord, let us give you thanks in all things, and may you help us seek the spiritual advantage of others to your glory.