By Scott Bush, D.Min.
Executive Director, Ministry Training Institute, Samford University
AN OUTWARD FOCUS
1 Corinthians 10:23–33
Martin Luther begins his “Treatise on Christian Liberty” with two sentences that appear to contradict: “A Christian is an utterly free man, lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is an utterly dutiful man, servant of all, subject to all.”
He explains that, when we are united to Christ, our consciences answer only to Christ. No one can condemn us because Christ paid for our sins, and no one can make demands of us because our allegiance is to Him alone.
On the other hand, our union with Christ also means that we join Him in His sacrificial love for others.
Jesus came to serve and give His life as a ransom (Mark 10:45). If we follow Him, our lives will also be marked by service and self-giving.
We are free as Christians from the judgments of our critics, but we are also obligated to love and serve.
Do what is beneficial to others. (23–24)
“I have the right to do anything” may have been a popular slogan in Corinth. The city was known for its indulgence. Christians may have even adapted the phrase to respond to legalists who added rules to the apostles’ teaching to suit themselves.
The phrase in verse 23 cannot mean that Christians are free to sin (Rom. 6:1–2; Titus 2:11–14) but it does affirm that, apart from what Scripture commands or forbids, Christians are free to differ.
Paul, however, reminds us that to make better choices we need to ask better questions.
Basing our decisions on our rights alone is shortsighted and selfish.
Is it beneficial? Does it build up? Both of these questions move the focus to others. Yes, we rejoice that Christ has set us free from legalism and petty criticism, but our freedom is a gift that allows us to consider the good of others above our own.
Don’t offend others unnecessarily. (25–30)
One specific issue of Christian liberty at Corinth centered on meat from the markets that had been used in sacrifices to idols. Some Christians felt that to eat it was to participate in idol worship.
Others, like Paul, saw no need to abstain since the gods of Corinth were not real, and the meat could be eaten with thanksgiving to the actual God who provided it (Ps. 24:1).
Paul even saw his freedom to eat as an opportunity to share the gospel. He could dine with unbelievers without being offended or causing offense.
Paul does, however, give an important caveat. If someone else at the meal — presumably another believer — takes offense at the meat, Paul says that he will choose not to eat it, not because his own conscience is changed but out of consideration for the feelings of another.
He calls his readers throughout this letter to be willing to lay aside their rights in order to show love. Many issues of liberty in our churches today (entertainment choices, attire, social habits, political opinions, etc.) have become bitterly and unnecessarily divisive because we insist on our rights at the expense of our relationships. This should never be.
Seek the benefit of others and the glory of God. (31–33)
Prioritizing people over our personal freedoms is essential to effective ministry and healthy churches.
While we can never compromise the gospel or excuse sin, we must always be willing to set aside our preferences and prerogatives to share Jesus and nurture faith in others.
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