What does "seek his own good" mean in the context of this verse? Immediate Context of 1 Corinthians 10:24 • Paul has just warned the Corinthians against idolatry (10:14–22) and is steering the discussion toward everyday decisions—especially whether to eat meat sold in the marketplace that had been offered to idols. • Verse 23 sets the stage: “Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial…”. Christian liberty is real, yet it is never license to harm another believer’s conscience. • Into that tension Paul inserts the governing rule: “No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.” (10:24). What “seek his own good” Literally Means • “Seek” (Greek zēteō) = pursue, strive after, make a priority. • “His own good” (Greek to heautou) = what benefits, advantages, or pleases oneself. • In plain terms, Paul prohibits any motivation in this scenario that places personal preference or convenience above another believer’s spiritual well-being. Linked Truths Across Scripture • Philippians 2:3-4—“Do nothing out of selfish ambition… but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • Romans 15:1-2—“We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak… each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” • Matthew 22:39—“Love your neighbor as yourself.” • Galatians 5:13—“Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another in love.” These passages echo the same heartbeat: true obedience leads believers away from self-centeredness toward sacrificial, others-oriented love. Contrast: Self-Interest vs. God-Honoring Love What “seek his own good” is NOT: – Ignoring another’s tender conscience. – Flaunting liberty to appear superior. – Defending personal comfort at the expense of someone’s faith. – Prioritizing profit above people. What “seek the good of others” IS: – Voluntarily limiting a perfectly lawful action if it might stumble a brother or sister. – Choosing words, attitudes, and behaviors that edify. – Valuing unity in the body over winning an argument. – Measuring “benefit” by eternal impact, not immediate gratification. Practical Outworking Today • Dining choices: skip that glass of wine if it could tempt a recovering alcoholic. • Entertainment selections: forego a movie that would trouble a less mature believer. • Social media: resist posting liberties that could confuse or discourage younger Christians. • Business ethics: accept a smaller profit rather than engage in a practice that harms employees or customers. • Church life: volunteer for the unnoticed task so another servant can rest. Summing Up the Principle of 1 Corinthians 10:24 To “seek his own good” in this verse means clinging to self-centered motives that ignore the spiritual, emotional, and physical welfare of others. Paul commands the opposite: actively pursue what benefits fellow believers, even when it costs personal ease. True Christian freedom finds its highest expression not in asserting rights but in laying them down for the sake of love. |
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