1 Corinthians 10:23–33 New International Version
The Believer’s Freedom
23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.
24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
25 Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience,
26 for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”[a]
27 If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience.
28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience.
29 I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience?
30 If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—
33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
Freedom That Loves 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
Through
Jesus Christ we have been given many things. We have freedom; however, Paul addresses
this truth with a deep question. What are we using our freedom for? Paul shows that
even if everything is permissible, not everything is beneficial.
1 Corinthians 10:23 ESV
[23] “All
things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but
not all things build up.
The world will ask the question, "How does
this benefit me?" Paul tells Christians to ask, "How does benefit others?"
1 Corinthians 10:24 ESV
[24] Let no one seek his own good, but the good
of his neighbor.
We like to build ourselves up and take care of
ourselves. We protect ourselves and focus on what we want to do. However, Christians
need to ask what is going to please God. We should use our freedom to help others.
We need to look at others before making a decision.
My faith affects the person next to me. My faith
can build someone up or tear them down. That is the power of faith. We can make
our choices in love. The love for God and our neighbors will help us the make the
right decisions.
Then we will have the freedom to make the right
choices. We also need to ask whether or not our decisions promote love.
The church has been called to act as a union of
followers. The church should build up the community. We need the strong standard
of love of God. Will this choice show the heart of Christ? Will this choice promote
God's love?
1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV
[31] So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever
you do, do all to the glory of God.
We know this verse very well. It is also misused.
Paul has been talking about everyday choices, even food. Paul tells us that whatever
we do, we must do this for the glory of God. We must always ask if this choice glorifies
God, not simply satisfy ourselves.
Paul is not telling us to only think about doing
big things for God's glory. He tells us that all things should be considered for
glorifying God.
When we use our freedom and it makes God look
small then we need to change. If someone us hurt or the community has been damaged,
this is not to the glory of God. Yes, we must correct people who speak heresies
or who are living destructive lives, but it must always be done in love.
We are truly free in Christ. We do not have to
be slaves to Christ. We do have the freedom to lay down our rights for others. We
are free to serve others without expecting anything in return. We are free to forgive
others. We are free to sacrifice—even to lay down our lives.
The world sees freedom as building oneself up.
It looks at the cross as punishment. With Jesus, we have genuine freedom the world
cannot give. We can see freedom in the cross. Our freedom that loves, serves and
sacrifices brings us closer to God.
