1 Corinthians 10 (continued)
Picking up where we left off… here are a few notes on the remaining verses of chapter 10.
v. 24 On the heals of the great truths in verse 23 – that while all things are permissible, they are not necessarily all beneficial or constructive – Paul shares what should be guiding a believer’s heart in these decisions: what would be best for the sake of others?
v. 25-30 Paul returns again to the matters he discussed at length in chapter 8. By returning to this issue here, in the larger context of the historical lessons (at the beginning of chapter 10), he adds weight to the responsibility – our decisions could have direct bearing on another’s walk before the Lord. Yes we have liberties, but those liberties ought always be applied in and through love.
v. 31-32 In summary, Paul admonishes believers to consider everything they do, in their liberty, or in love surrendering liberties, as a means of bringing glory to the Lord, and building up the body of Christ.
Notes: As I revisit this passage, and really even the last couple of chapters (particularly chapters 8-11) I note how directly Paul calls upon believers to think of others over themselves. We spoke of the consumer mindset that often invades our thinking, leading us to believe ‘it’s all about me’, and how, consequently, the church tends to cater to those who believe ‘it’s all about me’ – “Have we got a program for you!” What would be a church after God’s heart? Not a congregation that has something to offer for every felt-need, but rather a congregation made up of folks who consistently put others ahead of themselves.
v. 24 On the heals of the great truths in verse 23 – that while all things are permissible, they are not necessarily all beneficial or constructive – Paul shares what should be guiding a believer’s heart in these decisions: what would be best for the sake of others?
v. 25-30 Paul returns again to the matters he discussed at length in chapter 8. By returning to this issue here, in the larger context of the historical lessons (at the beginning of chapter 10), he adds weight to the responsibility – our decisions could have direct bearing on another’s walk before the Lord. Yes we have liberties, but those liberties ought always be applied in and through love.
v. 31-32 In summary, Paul admonishes believers to consider everything they do, in their liberty, or in love surrendering liberties, as a means of bringing glory to the Lord, and building up the body of Christ.
Notes: As I revisit this passage, and really even the last couple of chapters (particularly chapters 8-11) I note how directly Paul calls upon believers to think of others over themselves. We spoke of the consumer mindset that often invades our thinking, leading us to believe ‘it’s all about me’, and how, consequently, the church tends to cater to those who believe ‘it’s all about me’ – “Have we got a program for you!” What would be a church after God’s heart? Not a congregation that has something to offer for every felt-need, but rather a congregation made up of folks who consistently put others ahead of themselves.
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