Live For His Glory

Introduction

Focus: This passage shows us how important it is to be aware of what we do around people so that we can responsibly represent the God who made us for Himself.

Function: As we look at this passage we should reflect on those God has placed in every space of our lives and ask ourselves “Am I a good representative of God?”

Big Idea: You are free to glorify God.

Live not for others or self

Whenever we live our lives based on ourselves or others we are cheating ourselves out of our full purpose. My friend, Ty Jones pastors a church in Phoenix, AZ and he always post content on social media. His closing line in his videos used to always be “Live in purpose, on purpose.”

Well where do we find our purpose?

Live a full life

A life in Christ is not based on worldly limitation, but based on redemptive freedom. It’s not “Because Christ has saved me I can’t do.” It’s “Because Christ has saved me I am free to be.”

Permissible vs. Beneficial

Permissible = Allowed

This answers the question: "Is this a sin?"

For example: Playing video games isn't a sin. Watching sports isn't a sin. Having social media isn't a sin. So those things are permissible.

Beneficial = Helpful

This answers a different question: "Is this helping me become who God wants me to be?"

Imagine it's the night before a big exam. You ask: "Is it wrong for me to stay up until 3 a.m. scrolling TikTok?" Probably not a sin. It's permissible. But is it beneficial? No. Because it hurts your grades, your sleep, and your future. Paul says mature Christians don't just ask: "Can I do it?" They also ask: "Will this help me?"

Permissible vs. Builds Up

Now Paul takes it a step further.

Builds Up = Helps Others Grow

This question is: "How does my decision affect the people around me?" Imagine you have the freedom to make fun of a classmate. Everyone is laughing. You're not breaking a law. Maybe you're not even saying anything terribly offensive. But does it build someone up? No. It tears them down. Or imagine you're on social media. You have every right to post something. It's permissible. But before posting, ask: "Will this encourage people, strengthen people, help people, or point people toward Christ?" If the answer is no, Paul says there may be a better choice.

The Difference in One Sentence

Beneficial asks: "Is this good for me?"

Builds Up asks: "Is this good for others?"

Paul's Big Point

Immature Christians ask: "What's the minimum I have to do?"

Mature Christians ask: "What's most helpful for my walk with God and the people around me?"

What does a full life consist of?

Live for His glory

What does the glory of God look like?