1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (WEL) Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 32 Do not offend anyone, neither Jews, Gentiles, nor the congregation of God. 33 Even as I try to please all in every way, not seeking my own selfish good, but for the good of many that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
V31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.
Instead of fulfilling fleshly desires, as sexual immorality, we strive, with God’s help, to do everything for the glory of God. Christians want to honor God, His kingdom, worldview, lifestyle, rules, character, etc. (Matthew 5:16, 1 Corinthians 6:20, and John 15:8). We want to be a witness.
V32 Do not offend anyone, neither Jews, Gentiles, nor the congregation of God.
This is purposeful offense trying to offend as if without any concern for God or other believers.
Unbelievers offend (Proverbs 4:19), but we are adopted children of God, so we must not do so. God can place stumbling blocks in front of believers as punishment; they fall face first. It is to get a person’s attention that they are sinning (Ezekiel 3:20).
The congregation/church of God consists of believing Gentiles and Jews (Ephesians 2:13-22). It is inevitable that we are offensive, but as we learn more about God and His ways, from the Bible, the more we will be aware of potential offenses. Yet, as Christians, we are offensive because we worship Jesus (John 15:18).
V33 Even as I try to please all in every way, not seeking my own selfish good, but for the good of many that they may be saved.
Our pleasing others must be done in wisdom and according to the Law of Christ; otherwise, we will be taken advantage of even sometimes to the point of being a slave. Even though we want to not offend and please others, we must honor God first, which often will bring persecution.
Compare 2 Corinthians 2:11, 2 Corinthians 7:2, and Jude 1:16.
V11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
Our pattern for everything is to follow Jesus’s perfect life. We should study how Jesus dealt with friends, enemies, seekers, sick, sinners, etc.
The standard is the same. Jesus lived God’s standards perfectly. We are to do so, too, but it is impossible for believers to do so; that is God’s standard. We must have the attitude, trying to live by it, and relying on God’s assisting grace.
We learn:
- To live God’s ways in everything.
- Try not to offend people purposefully, but even just reading the Bible will offend many.
Questions:
- Are you trying to live according to God’s standards?
- Are you attempting to be offensive or trying not to be offensive?