1 Corinthians 10:24 - For The Good Of Others And The Glory Of God.
1 Corinthians 10:24 - For The Good Of Others And The Glory Of
God.
1 Corinthians 10:24 (TNIV) No one should seek their own good,
but the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10:24 (MSG) We want to live well, but our foremost
efforts should be to help others live well.
CONTEXT & COMMENTARY APPLICATION ON CHAPTER
If you insist on using your rights, you may cause a weaker
believer to stumble; and you may also bring trouble on yourself. When you
face difficult decisions, take these factors into consideration.
God's blessing (1-5). The parallel to God's people today is
obvious. We have been redeemed from the world, identified with Jesus
Christ, and nourished by spiritual food and drink. But these blessings
are no guarantee that we will be successful.
God's judgment (6-12). When Israel sinned, God disciplined
them; and He will do the same to His people today. Do you practice and
tolerate in your life any of the sins named here? God gives His children
freedom, but the freedom to sin is not included.
God's promise (13-22). God knows how much we can take and
always provides the way of escape. Sometimes the smartest thing to do
is to flee (v. 14; 6:18). Always look for the open door and the
blessing on the other side.
God's glory (23-33). Two extremes must be avoided: practicing
license in the name of Christian freedom, and being so fussy that we
cannot live in a real world and make rational decisions. When you seek
to edify others and glorify the Lord, you will know what to do.
[Chapter by Chapter Bible Commentary by Warren Wiersbe]
CONTEXT & COMMENTARY APPLICATION ON SECTION: The Believer's
Freedom: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33.
As a Christian, you are now part of the body of Christ and you
have a certain responsibility to other Christians. Paul's point in
this chapter is that when it comes to gray areas, believers need to
be understanding and gracious to one another, There is room for
different convictions among believers. For example, in that day, the issue
of eating meat offered to idols was a sticking point for the
believers. Paul explained that it will be okay for some of thern because
they know that idols aren't even real anyway. However, others might
not be able to eat that same meat with a clear conscience. Since
this was not a black and white issue, there was room for differing
practices. Paul's only qualification was that those who could eat such meat
with a clear conscience needed to take care not to lead a weaker
believer to violate his or her conscience by eating it.
Likewise, we, at times, must be willing to give up certain
liberties to avoid causing someone else to sin. There are higher values
and higher purposes than your own freedom and wants. Let love and
seeking the "glory of God" be your guide in all your actions. Then
whatever you do will bring honor to God. [The One Year Bible for New
Believers re 1Co. 10:23-31]
CONTEXT & COMMENTARY APPLICATION ON VERSE 24:
The believer should not seek first of all to gratify his won
desires and pleasures and conveniences; he ought to consider first the
welfare of others. Let him ask himself the question, Will the
gratification of my own taste and inclinations help or injure others? Many
things may be permissible, but their practice might bring spiritual
harm to others; therefore it is the duty of the Christian to abstain
from them. In cases where a certain thing is not positively forbidden
to a Christian, but where his example would greatly influence
others, he should be guided in his behavior, not by his own desires,
comfort, or convenience, but by consideration of the effect of his
conduct on others. [SDA Bible Commentary]
As a Christian you are obliged to view your actions in light
of how they will affect other Christians. You will discover God's
will for your life when you consider His activity in the lives of
others. This goes contrary to worldly thinking. The world encourages you
to live your own life, taking care of your own needs and wants
first. Sin promotes independence. It isolates you from others and
separates you from those you could help or who could encourage you. God
designed you for interdependence.
Whenever you meet another Christian, you come face to face
with Christ (John 13:20). There ought to be a deep respect within you
as you encounter other lives guided by the Holy Spirit. Do not live
as if you have no responsibility toward your Christian brothers or
sisters. God holds you accountable for how you relate to them. Don't
revel in your "freedom in Christ" to the point that you neglect your
responsibility toward others (Ro 14:15). Paul celebrated his freedom in Christ,
but he was keenly sensitive to what might cause other Christians
harm (1Co 8:13). He was aware that his sin could not take place in
isolation but could bring pain to many others (1Co 5:6).
You have a responsibility to live in such a way that you do
not hurt others. You must deny yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to
put to death your natural inclination to be self-centered. As long
as you focus on yourself, you will be oblivious to the needs of
others. Ask God to free you from selfishness so that your life is free
to bless others. [Experiencing God Day by Day by Henry and Richard
Blackaby re 1Co. 10:24]
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:
Grace Notes:
http://www.e-gracenotes.org/index.php
A Better Way to Live:
http://www.itiswritten.com/betterway/
Excellent Spiritual Resource Site:
http://www.christianlifemediacenter.com/
More Spiritual Resources:
http://www.aBible.com
