What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 10:24? No one should seek Paul’s opening words sweep every believer into the command. “No one” allows no loopholes. • Philippians 2:3–4 urges, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • Jesus sets the pattern in Luke 9:23, calling each disciple to deny self daily. • Matthew 6:33 reminds us that the primary pursuit is God’s kingdom, not self-advancement. The thrust: Living for Christ cancels the default setting of self-promotion. his own good “Good” points to personal advantage, comfort, or preference. Paul is not outlawing healthy self-care; stewardship of body and resources remains biblical (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). What he forbids is a life steered by self-interest. • James 3:16 warns that “where selfish ambition exists, there is disorder.” • Proverbs 11:25 balances the picture: “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed,” showing that God Himself handles the believer’s needs. Practical checkpoints: - When deciding, ask, “Would this mainly pad my convenience?” - Measure plans by their contribution to Christ’s mission, not to personal comfort. but the good of others The verse turns from prohibition to positive pursuit—an intentional, outward focus. • Romans 15:2 echoes, “Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” • Galatians 6:2 calls us to “carry one another’s burdens,” displaying tangible care. • 1 John 3:18 presses for love “not in word or speech, but in action and truth.” How to seek another’s good: - Give up freedoms that might wound a weaker conscience (context of 1 Corinthians 10: meat offered to idols). - Serve with skills and resources God has entrusted. - Speak words that strengthen, not merely satisfy curiosity or opinion. - Prioritize communal worship and discipleship, recognizing that faith is lived in family, not isolation. summary 1 Corinthians 10:24 replaces self-centered living with others-centered love. The Spirit redirects the believer from personal advantage to active investment in neighbors, mirroring the sacrificial heart of Christ. Choosing what benefits others over what benefits self is not optional add-on discipleship; it is the everyday shape of genuine faith. |
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