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Priscilla: I Corinthians 10:23-11:1
Do All to the Glory of God

Dear God, my Beloved Father, I offer You my praise and gratitude for the Eternal Word of Life that You bestow upon me every day, so that I may be nourished in my spiritual journey and live a life that resembles Christ. I pray that the Holy Spirit grants me wisdom as I meditate on Your Word.

Father, today I would like to present my meditation on the purpose of the Christian life, which is to glorify God, based on 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1.

23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

Verses 23 and 24: The Apostle Paul said that even though he was allowed to do everything, not everything was beneficial. He once said that if his eating meat caused weaker believers to stumble or misunderstand, thinking he was eating food sacrificed to idols, then he would rather never eat meat. Therefore, the Apostle Paul advised the people of God not to live only for their own interests, but to live for others, seeking what is beneficial, constructive, and satisfying for others rather than themselves.

25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:

26 For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.

Verses 25 and 26: The Apostle Paul speaks of meat sold in the market, which was offered to idols by unbelievers during his time. Before the meat was sold to the public, it was often presented as a sacrifice to idols. The Apostle Paul teaches that the people of God can buy and eat such meat without questioning or investigating its origin. The earth and everything in it belong to God, and the people of God simply need to pray and give thanks to God, and the food and drink become holy through the Word of God.

I understand that nowadays, if the people of God see sellers offering anything that they have dedicated to idols or if the sellers inform them that the items they are selling have been offered to idols, then the people of God should avoid purchasing them.

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.

28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:

Verses 27 and 28: The Apostle Paul teaches that if an unbeliever invites the people of God to eat, and they accept the invitation, then they should eat whatever food is set before them without questioning anything, as questioning implies doubt. Accepting the invitation to eat while having doubts is an action that is not based on faith and is therefore sinful. If the host informs the people of God that the food has been offered to idols, then they should not eat it. This is because if the people of God eat, it may cause the unbelievers to think that the people of God agree with the offering to idols and believe in the worship of their idols, thus causing them to stumble and strengthening their belief in idols even more.

29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?

30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

Verses 29 and 30: The Apostle Paul asked why the people of God, who have the correct understanding that idols are nothing and that the worship of idols is meaningless, are judged by the conscience of others despite being free to eat food offered to idols. This is because the people of God, in their freedom, have become stumbling blocks to those who do not believe in God, causing them to continue to be deeply immersed in their superstitions. They also cause their weak brothers and sisters in the Lord to stumble by imitating the eating of food sacrificed to idols without understanding that idols are nothing, thus becoming partners with demons.

31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

Verses 31 and 32: The Apostle Paul teaches the people of God to live a new life in Christ with the purpose of glorifying God. The true followers of God live according to His teachings, avoiding anything that could be a stumbling block or cause offense to others. The lives of the people of God should always reflect the love, purity, and righteousness of God, shining with His divine glory. Therefore, whether they are eating, drinking, or doing any other action, the people of God should do it in the name of the Lord and for the purpose of honoring God. Every action of the people of God should be in accordance with the Word of God, benefiting others, and building the Kingdom of Heaven.

33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Verse 33: The Apostle Paul urges the people of God to have a lifestyle in Christ like his own, a life that pleases God and all people in all things. It is a life that brings benefits to the building up of the Church and to edifying others. The people of God are willing to sacrifice their own interests for the benefit of many and to lead others to the saving Gospel of God’s grace.

1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Verse 1: The Apostle Paul calls upon the people of God to imitate him as he imitates Christ. This means imitating him in learning humility and meekness from Christ, enduring suffering for the sake of proclaiming the Gospel to all nations, and living a life of love, holiness, and righteousness that is pleasing to God. Paul’s purpose in life is to live for the Lord, doing everything for the glory of God.

Father, I pray that you grant me strength and a strong faith, with a reverent trust in God, so that I may strive to imitate the Apostle Paul’s pleasing life in the eyes of God. May I live with a focus on the benefit of others rather than seeking self-interest, serving as a positive example for the Church and those who do not yet know God. I am grateful to You, Father! Amen.

In the grace of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Priscilla Christian Huynh
05/16/2023