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

Dear God, my Beloved Father, I respectfully offer my praise and gratitude to You. You are the Almighty God and my Father in Heaven. I rejoice in the new day You have given me. I am thankful for the chance to live each day in Your love and grace, to serve You. However, I also eagerly anticipate the coming of Christ. I feel that time is passing quickly, and my physical body is growing older and weaker. I long for the arrival of Christ to take the Church out of this world. That extraordinary and glorious moment will leave an everlasting impression on my soul. May Christ strengthen my fragile physical body, healing all illnesses within me. May the Holy Spirit bestow wisdom upon my mind, keeping my spirit alert. I give thanks to the Triune God.

Father, now I present to You my reflection on 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1, as follows:

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 23-24: The people of God are free in the Lord to do anything that does not contradict the Word of God or human law, provided that human law does not contradict the Word of God. For example, God did not establish traffic laws, but if the traffic laws of the governing authorities do not contradict the laws of God, then the people of God must obey them. Although the people of God are allowed to engage in activities permitted by both the laws of God and human laws, they should not indulge in activities that do not build themselves or others up. Such actions would be a waste of time, effort, and resources. Furthermore, in all things except those concerning oneself personally, the people of God should always prioritize the well-being of others over their own interests. If everyone does the same, life will truly be blessed. In that case, it is indeed true that “everyone for one person and one person for everyone.”

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 25-26: I understand that Paul’s advice is relevant to the practical situation of the people of God in Corinth at that time. Most of the meat sold in the market had been offered to idols before being put up for sale. The people of God had the understanding in their spirits that idols are nothing and that the act of offering food to idols is meaningless. Therefore, if no one points out that the meat has been offered to idols, the people of God may freely buy and eat it, as the earth and everything in it belong to God, and the food of humanity is provided by God. This advice can also be applied to various other situations, such as the case mentioned in verse 27, or when someone who does not believe in God gives food to the people of God.

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:

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 27-30: Although the people of God know that idols are nothing and the act of offering food to idols is meaningless, they choose not to eat food that has been offered to idols. They do this even when they see it being taken down from the idol’s altar or are informed by others that the food has been offered to idols. The people of God refrain from eating food offered to idols to prevent the consciences of those who do not believe in God from being offended. If the people of God were to eat food offered to idols, it would cause offense to those who do not believe in God. They would have a wrong perception of the people of God, thinking that the people of God are in agreement with idolatrous worship. To be in agreement with idolatrous worship implies recognizing idols as real. While the people of God have freedom, if they use their freedom to act in a way that causes others to stumble, they commit an offense.

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: These two verses summarize the principles of life and the responsibilities of the people of God. Whatever the people of God do, they should do it with the purpose of honoring God. Even in their personal needs, such as eating and drinking, they should act in a way that honors God, aligns with His Word, and fulfills two conditions: being beneficial and edifying. The people of God should not create any stumbling blocks for anyone, regardless of their beliefs or ethnic background. Any action that contradicts the Word of God, fails to honor God, lacks benefit, or lacks edification is considered something that is not good.

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: Paul advises the people of God to live a life that pleases everyone in all things, just as he does. Of course, this pleasing of others should not contradict the Word of God, as going against God’s Word is a sin that the people of God should not commit. The people of God prioritize the well-being of others over their own interests. They use every opportunity to help others understand the true message of the Gospel, so that they may be saved.

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

Verse 1: Once again, Paul urges the people of God to imitate him. This time, he adds an important detail: he himself imitates Christ. Long-time believers, who have a deep understanding of the Word of God, are to imitate Christ. Newly converted believers, who do not yet have a deep understanding of the Word of God to directly imitate Christ, are to imitate those who teach them the Word of God. Therefore, the duty and responsibility of those who teach the Word of God in the Church are significant.

Father, I thank You for the portion of Scripture I have reflected on today. Please help me to always live a life that displays the glory of God to others. May I be a good example for everyone. I am grateful to You, Father. Amen!

In the grace of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Timothy Christian Huynh
05/16/2023