November 20th~Gray Areas

1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1

We continued Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. In this particular section of the letter, he addressed a question that was common for Christians in his day. Was it right to eat food that had been sacrificed to an idol or dedicated to some false god?

Paul’s short answer to this question was that it was perfectly fine for Christians to eat meat dedicated to idols, because there is only one true God. Dedicating food to an idol was simply dedicating it to nothing. “The earth is the Lord’s,” he wrote, “and everything in it” (10:26). However, Paul also wrote, while Christians “are allowed to do anything, not all things are helpful or beneficial” (10:23).

Paul went on. “Be careful with this freedom of yours. Do not cause a brother or sister, with a weaker conscience, to stumble... Weak Christians, who think it is wrong to eat this food will see you eating in the temple of an idol. You know there’s nothing wrong with it, but they will be encouraged to violate their conscience... So because of your superior knowledge, a weak Christian will be destroyed... You are sinning against Christ when you sin against other Christians, by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong” (8:10-12).

Simply put, Christians have differing thoughts, opinions, even convictions about certain issues, such as alcohol, entertainment, proper diet, movies, body piercings, tattoos, dancing, fashion styles, gambling, video games, music, politics, smoking, etc. While the Bible may speak to these issues in general terms, it does not provide any hard lines on what is right or wrong for Christians to do. Therefore, God’s people are free to follow their conscience and establish their own convictions.

Daily Reflection

However, God’s people are warned not to misuse their freedom and cause others to stumble. “Don’t think only of your own good,” Paul said. “Think of other Christians and what is best for them... Don’t give offense. That is the plan I follow. I try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what I like or what is best for me, but I do what is best for them so that they may be saved” (10:24, 32, 33).

What do you think Paul meant when he wrote, “I try to please everyone in everything I do?” Does this mean that He chose people over God?

What do you think Paul meant when he said, “I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ?”

In regards to these gray areas, consider several principles. First, God’s glory must be your top priority. “Whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, you must do for the glory of

God” (v.31). Second, the good of others must take precedence over your own good. Your actions should not harm your testimony, hurt your influence in someone’s life, or hinder the Gospel message. Third, in regards to the convictions of others, you must avoid legalism and, instead, extend liberty and grace.

BiAY.org | Day 324 — 41 Days to Go