Background Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8; 10:23-11:1
Lesson Context: Paul emphasizes two points in 1 Corinthians 8: The first is the awareness that an idol is “nothing” (8:4); therefore those who are mature in knowledge on this point were free to eat such meat. Paul’s second point counterbalances the first: But take heed lest by any means liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak” (8:9). This stresses the importance of demonstrating concern for those having a weak conscience.
Exercising Freedom (1 Corinthians 10:23-30):
A. Self Centered Behavior (v.23).
23a. “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient:” Paul points out something the Corinthians apparently had not considered: the issue of what is legally permissible should be considered alongside the issue of what is expedient.
23b. “All things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” Just because something is permitted does not mean it is beneficial. The Corinthians did not seek helpful things or things that would edify. Essentially, instead of wanting to go forward with Jesus as much as they could, they wanted to know how much they could get away with and still be Christians. This is the wrong approach!
B. Others-Centered Behavior (v. 24).
24. “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.” Wealth in this context implies the spiritual enrichment of another person. The principle that Paul sets forth here is entirely consistent with his instruction to other churches.
C. Principles Illustrated (vv. 25-30).
25-26. “Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience’ sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.” The sacrifices lost their religious character when sold in the meat market, so it was permitted to eat meat that may have been sacrificed to an idol at a private table. Asking no questions: At the butcher shop, some of the meat was sacrificed to idols, and some of it was not. Paul says, “If you aren’t going to partake of the atmosphere of the pagan temple, the meat itself doesn’t matter. Don’t even ask, and it won’t even bother you.” This is directed towards those Corinthian Christians who had consciousness of the idol…and their conscience being weak, is defiled. Paul says, “Don’t even ask!”
27. “If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience’ sake.” If an unbeliever invites you to dinner, don’t get into a debate about the meat with them. Don’t ask, and it won’t bother you.
28-29a. “But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience’ sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other.” Here, Paul has in mind the setting where a Christian is warned about the food by his unbelieving host, or a Christain host with a sensitive conscience. In that case, it is clear the person thinks it is wrong for Christians to partake of meat sacrificed to idols, so don’t eat it-for the sake of conscience, not your own, but that of the other.
29b-30. “For why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?”
But if I partake with thanks-that is, if I can eat with a clear conscience, and offending no one else’s conscience-why am I evil spoken of? Since the food itself is not a problem, no one should judge another Christian who can eat meat sacrificed to idols, as long as they don’t violate their own conscience or someone else’s.
References: International Sunday School Lessons. KJV 2023-2024, David Guzik: Study Guide to 1 Corinthians
