February 23, 2009 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

How to Use Christian Freedom
"We are allowed to do all things," but not all things are good for us to do. "We are allowed to do all things," but not all things help others grow stronger. Do not look out only for yourselves. Look out for the good of others also. Eat any meat that is sold in the meat market. Do not ask questions about it. You may eat it, "because the earth belongs to the Lord, and everything in it." Thsoe who are not believers may invite you to eat with them. If you want to go, eat anything that is put before you. Do not ask questions about it. But if anyone says to you, "That food was offered to idols," do not eat it. Do not eat it because of that person who told you and because eating it might be thought to be wrong. I don't mean you think it is wrong, but the other person might. But why, you ask, should my freedom be judged by someone else's conscience? If I eat the meal with thankfulness, why am I criticized because of something for which I thank God? The answer is, if you eat or drink, or if you do anything, do it all for the glory of God. Never do anything that might hurt others--Jews, Greeks, or God's church--just as I, also, try to please everybody in every way. I am not trying to do what is good for me but what is good for most people so they can be saved. ~1 Corinthians 10:23-33~

In this passage, Paul talks about Christian ethics. How are we supposed to live as Christians? The answer is simple...anything we do should be done to build up others, but ultimately to give all the glory to God. Paul tells us three things: go beyond the law, glorify God, and finally live as Christians 24/7, 365 days a year! Wherever we are, whatever we're doing, live, so that we don't hinder the faith of another person, but we attract them to faith. No matter who it is, whether it be a christian, a non-christian, a religious person, an atheist...etc. we should not offend them in anyway by the ways of our lives, but if we offend them by telling them about the cross, then it's okay because they're not being offended by us, but by Jesus!