Free, to the Glory of God

1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1 ESV

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” 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. 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— I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 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. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

I. The Freedom of the Christian

A. What a Christian can do

vs

B. What a Christian should do.

II. Do what you do for the good of others.

III. Do what you do for the glory of God.

Q: What is the chief end of man?

A: Man’s chief end is to ______ God and to _____ him forever. (From the Westminster Shorter Catechism)

A: Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. (From the Westminster Shorter Catechism)

IV. Follow Jesus’s example.