In our text today, let's note how Paul addresses the Corinthian's questions to him and see how Paul explains how he is living and growing in the gospel:
“If someone who isn’t a believer asks you home for dinner, accept the invitation if you want to. Eat whatever is offered to you without raising questions of conscience. 28 (But suppose someone tells you, “This meat was offered to an idol.” Don’t eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you. 29 It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.) For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks? 30 If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it? 31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved”
1 Corinthians 10:27-33
Question 1. How does Paul show that his gaze is focused on the cross when he explains His approach to life?
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Here, Paul explains when and if the believers in Corinth should eat meat sacrificed to an idol. He taught that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to such matters. It is not a “yes, of course” or “not at all” answer, but rather a seeking of the wisdom of God, which comes from viewing the cross of Christ. So, the answer is, “Sometimes you should, sometimes you shouldn’t.”
But how do you know when you should and when you shouldn’t? Great question. In 1 Corinthians 10, we learn how to make every decision we face in life! What a gift this is! Here we have a way to know how to live our lives not according to the flesh but in the Spirit.
While we don’t have to decide between eating food sacrificed to idols or not, we face many similar decisions that affect ourselves and others.
And how do we make them? Well, we make them while fixing our eyes on Jesus, viewing the cross of His suffering, and we choose what will glorify God and bless others.
Paul summarized how he has learned to make decisions in his life: "I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved" (1 Corinthians 10:33).
He narrowed his focus so that he viewed every decision through the lens of the cross. All decisions were not about what he wanted, but rather what would bring others to Christ: "I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that they may be saved."
Paul's mindset came through viewing Christ and His cross. Jesus gave up heaven, what was "best" for Jesus, to come to earth and go right up a tree of torture, to do what was best for us so that we "may be saved."
Paul learned from Christ! He was living and growing in the gospel. And he invited the Corinthians and you and me, today, to follow His decision-making criteria: "And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Question 2. Please write out the way for you to live life, the way for you to make decisions, based on what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:27-11:1.
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