Do Everything For God's Glory - 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

Our walk with Christ requires balance. We must balance our freedom in Christ with our responsibility to love others. We are stewards of God’s kingdom and are responsible for the actions we take.

How often do we do something that is permissible in the Bible but still causes someone to stumble?
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1 Corinthians 10:23-33
²³ “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. ²⁴ Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. ²⁵ Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. ²⁶ For “the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.” ²⁷ If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. ²⁸ But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— ²⁹ I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience? ³⁰ If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

³¹ So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. ³² Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, ³³ just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
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We have freedom within Christ. Earlier in 1 Cor 6, Paul said that because of our liberty in Christ, ‘all things’ are permitted but not everything is beneficial. Here, he expounds on that by stating that not all things are beneficial to others and not everything we do will build someone up. He says that even if we know the Bible does not restrict something, it doesn’t mean that we should do it if it causes someone to stumble or not build others up. Our freedom is Christ is not all about oneself. We are called to edify our brothers and sisters in Christ and in everything we do, do it for God’s glory not ours.

We may not be facing the same conflict that the Corinthians did regarding what food to eat and if it is rightful to eat food that was originally offered to idols at the temple. Paul says that all food is permissible and comes from God. At that time, he tells them that the more mature Christian may buy some of that food and enjoy it in their own home. But if you are in the presence of another Christian and something causes them to stumble, then don’t do that in their presence if it offends them. Our desire should be to grow closer to God and to build up those around us so that they can grow closer to God. If there is something that we do that is hindering their growth, then it might not be important.

Essentially, we should not be a hinderance to others that slows their walk with Christ. Whatever we do or say, it should be for others and for God’s glory. Paul reminds us that it is not about us. We are servants of the Lord and have been made stewards of His grace and love. How can we take special care of His grace and love if we are the ones causing people to stumble? Is Paul telling you that you cannot enjoy a glass of wine? No. But if this causes another Christian to stumble, then we should avoid it. We have a responsibility with the freedom purchased through the blood of Christ.

Below is a quote from Warren Wiersbe and 5 questions we may ask ourselves to test the decisions we make:

“All things are lawful,” but—
1. Will they lead to freedom or slavery?
(1 Cor. 6:12)
2. Will they make me a stumbling block or a
stepping-stone? (1 Cor. 8:13)
3. Will they build me up or tear me down?
(1 Cor. 10:23)
4. Will they only please me, or will they glorify
Christ? (1 Cor. 10:31)
5. Will they help to win the lost to Christ or turn
them away? (1 Cor. 10:33)

Therefore, let us seek to put others first and be considerate. In everything we do, do it for God’s glory and not our own. We are stewards of God’s kingdom and have a responsibility to build up each other in Christ. We also have the responsibility to be a witness of Christ and pour out His love to the unbeliever to grow His kingdom.