How can we avoid causing offense to Jews, Greeks, or the church today? Setting the Scene 1 Corinthians 10:32 — “Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God.” Paul ties this to v. 31 (“Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”) and v. 33 (“…so that they may be saved”). The aim: remove needless barriers so the gospel advances and God is honored. Guiding Principles Drawn from the Passage •Glorify God first (v. 31). •Seek the spiritual good of others, not personal rights (v. 33). •Anticipate how actions are perceived by three distinct audiences. Avoiding Offense to Jews Today •Respect God’s covenantal dealings with Israel (Romans 11:17-18). Arrogance toward Jewish roots stumbles many. •Speak of Jesus as Messiah with humility, using the Hebrew Scriptures (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22). •Reverence God’s name; casual or profane talk offends those who cherish the sacred Name (Exodus 20:7). •Avoid antisemitic stereotypes or replacement theology language (Genesis 12:3). •When possible, accommodate dietary sensitivities in shared meals (Acts 15:19-21). •Celebrate the Jewish backdrop of Christian faith—Feast imagery, covenants, prophecies—so the gospel feels consistent, not foreign (Luke 24:27). Avoiding Offense to Greeks / Gentiles Today •Use clear, jargon-free speech (1 Corinthians 14:9). Religious clichés confuse secular listeners. •Model integrity in business, family, and civic life; hypocrisy deters seekers (1 Peter 2:12). •Engage current culture respectfully—Paul quoted Greek poets in Athens (Acts 17:28). •Show compassion on social issues before presenting moral standards (Matthew 9:36). •Answer honest questions patiently (Colossians 4:5-6). Impatience erects barriers. •Avoid needless political partisanship that eclipses the gospel’s universality (2 Timothy 2:24). Avoiding Offense Within the Church of God •Prioritize unity over preferences (Ephesians 4:3). •Limit personal freedoms that wound weaker consciences (Romans 14:13-15). •Guard speech—no gossip or harshness (Ephesians 4:29). •Practice orderly worship that edifies all (1 Corinthians 14:40). •Handle disputes biblically, privately first (Matthew 18:15-17). Public blastings scandalize believers and outsiders alike. •Support leaders but hold them accountable in love (1 Timothy 5:19-20). The Heart Behind These Actions •Love that “does not seek its own” (1 Corinthians 13:5). •Freedom gladly surrendered for another’s salvation (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). •An ambassador’s mindset—representing Christ, not self (2 Corinthians 5:20). Living It Out Daily •Start each decision with: “Will this help or hinder someone’s path to Christ?” •Listen before acting; learn what genuinely offends rather than guessing (James 1:19). •Pray for discernment to distinguish moral absolutes from cultural preferences (Philippians 1:9-10). •Regularly revisit Paul’s pattern: “I try to please everyone in all things, not seeking my own benefit but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved” (1 Corinthians 10:33). |
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