Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. For a comprehensive study of the passage, download the Study Guide (PDF download).
1. What two qualifications does Paul add to the great principle of Christian liberty (i.e.; the principle that “everything is permissible”)? See 1 Corinthians 10:23 (printed below)
Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything is constructive. (1 Corinthians 10:23)
In verse 23 Paul once again states the great axiom or principle for New Testament Christian living: “Everything is permissible.” Because of the Corinthians’ confusion with regard to this principle, Paul adds two qualifications to it. First, “Not everything is beneficial.” That is to say, not every activity is spiritually profitable; some activities, although not expressly sinful, may be detrimental (by way of example: the viewing of movies with heavy emphasis on violence or sexuality or profanity). Second, “Not everything is constructive.” Not every activity is conducive to our own spiritual growth or the spiritual well-being of our Christian brothers and sisters.
2. Besides the principle of Christian liberty, what other great principle must govern Christian living? See 1 Corinthians 10:24 (printed below)
No one should demand his own rights, but should seek the good of others. (1 Corinthians 10:24)
In verse 24 Paul presents another great axiom or principle that must govern New Testament Christian living: “No one should demand his own rights, but should seek the good of others.” The Christian life is not to be dominated by a self-seeking, self-pleasing attitude; rather, we must take into consideration the welfare of our Christian brothers and make their welfare a chief concern (note Matthew 22:39). This second principle (presented in verse 24) must become a guideline for how we apply the first principle (presented in verse 23) and it prevents us from selfishly abusing or misusing that first principle.
3. To what actual situation of everyday life does Paul apply these two great principles? See 1 Corinthians 10:25-29 (printed below) Note, especially, verses 27-28
Eat whatever is sold in the marketplace, without questioning it because of your conscience; (26) for “the earth and all that it contains belongs to the Lord.” (27) If any of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you want to go, eat whatever is set before you without questioning it because of your conscience. (28) But if some Christian brother says to you, “This meat has been offered as a sacrifice,” do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. (29) Now when I speak of conscience I am not referring to your conscience, but the other’s conscience; for why should my liberty be judged by someone else’s conscience? (1 Corinthians 10:25-29)
In verses 25-29 the apostle Paul goes on to apply these two principles to an actual situation of everyday life that the Corinthian Christians faced. He counsels, “Eat whatever is sold in the marketplace, without questioning it because of your conscience” (verse 25). The Christian is free to eat whatever meat he desires, without concern over the fact that the meat in question had previously been offered to a pagan “deity.” But if a fellow Christian informs you that the meat has been offered to a pagan “deity,” then do not eat it, for the sake of his conscience (verses 28-29). Out of love, we are to abstain from the full and public use of our Christian rights and privileges rather than offend, confuse, test, or despise a weaker Christian brother. Our own conscience should conform to the liberty and requirements of the Word of God, but in our use of Christian liberty we must be sensitive to the consciences of our Christian brothers (note Romans 15:1-3a).
4. In 1 Corinthians 10:31 (printed below) the apostle Paul presents a third great principle that must govern Christian living. What is this third principle?
So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
In verse 31 the apostle presents the third and greatest principle for Christian living: “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” This is the principle that must regulate our use of Christian rights and liberties: “whether you eat or drink…do all to the glory of God.” In very practical terms, one glorifies God when he causes his conscience to be regulated by both the liberties and the regulations prescribed in the Word of God—thereby submitting to the Lord’s sovereign and gracious lordship rather than to any other.
5. What exhortation does Paul give the church in 1 Corinthians 10:32 (printed below?) How are we to implement this exhortation? See 1 Corinthians 10:33-11:1 (printed below)
Cause no offense to the Jews or the Greeks or to the church of God (1 Corinthians 10:32)
…just as I try to please everyone in every way; not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of the many, so that they may be saved. 11 (1) Follow my example, just as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:33-11:1)
In verse 32 Paul exhorts us as Christians to live lives that are inoffensive; he commands, “Cause no offense to the Jews or the Greeks or to the church of God.” What is envisioned here is a life that does not cause harm or injury; a life that does not provoke others to anger or wrongdoing; a life that is not objectionable because it is glaringly inconsistent with the life of Christ. The way to heed this exhortation to lead an inoffensive life is presented to us in verse 33, “I try to please everyone in every way; not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of the many, so that they may be saved.” By his own example, the apostle Paul points out that the key is living a life that is oriented towards others rather than self-oriented and self-absorbed—it is living a truly Christ-like life. In 11:1 Paul calls upon us to follow his example just as he himself is following Christ’s example.
