For the Glory of God and the Good of Neighbor

For on theWhat GloryYou of God Living Based Are, and the Good of Neighbor Not on What You Used to Be 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 October 7, 2018 June 24, 2018 THE BIG IDEA: Scripture teaches us that all of life should be lived for the Glory of God and the good of neighbor. When I ascribe to the Lord what is due Him, I cause others to notice Him. When I seek the good of our neighbor, they are built up and God is noticed. 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 (ESV) 10 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. 11 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Live … For the Good of Neighbor 1 Corinthians 10:24; Philippians 2:3-4 • TRUTH 1: Just because you CAN do something doesn’t mean you SHOULD do that thing. o It may not be helpful o It may not do anything to build you up or anyone else. o If the good of my neighbor means anything to me, I’ll … • Be generous • Be kind • Be gracious • Be flexible • Be prayerful • Be faithful • Be obedient • Be an example Live … For the Glory of God 1 Corinthians 10:31; Matthew 5 • TRUTH 2: God’s Glory should always be at the center of what I do in my life. o Question 1 in the Westminster Catechism is, “What is the chief end of man?” Answer: “To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” o Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount said, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16] o A question we can ask: “Do others see God’s attributes in how I am living my life?” § Sensitivity § Thoughtfulness § Punctuality § Order and tidiness § Selflessness § Creativity § Work § Love § Holiness § Ceasing from work § In other words, “In what does God delight?” o “Glory” à the word means “praise, beauty, renown” § God’s intrinsic or inherent glory – He already has it because it is who He is and even if no one ever gave Him glory, He would still have it! God IS glorious – always has been and always will be glorious! § Ascribed glory – Psalm 29:1-2 – we are commanded to recognize, acknowledge, and verbalize in both words and actions who we know and see God to be! • TRUTH 3: Don’t ever let your exercise of your freedom cause someone else to fall on their face spiritually. My freedom should be restrained by desire to see people saved! (1 Corinthians 10:33) 3 Commands [imperatives] From this Scripture: 1. Do everything for glory of God. 2. Don’t cause anyone to stumble. 3. Imitate Godly people.