Day 14: 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

²³“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. ²⁴Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

²⁵Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, ²⁶for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”^

²⁷If some unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. ²⁸But if anyone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the man who told you and for conscience’ sake^—²⁹the other man’s conscience, I mean, not yours. For why should my freedom be judged by another’s conscience? ³⁰If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?

³¹So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. ³²Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—³³even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

^11:1Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Questions for Reflection

1. How do verses 23 and 24 apply to us? How do you think we as a group can put these verses into practice?
2. Verse 33: Is Paul saying we should be people pleasers?
3. 11:1: This is a great reminder that we are to imitate Christ. Take a few moments and simply ask God that he would give you and us strength and courage to live like Jesus in every area of our life.