1 Corinthians 10:23-33 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.… I. A GOOD MAN MAY HAVE A RIGHT TO DO THAT WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE EXPEDIENT FOR OTHERS (ver. 22). 1. A good man has a right to go wherever, to eat whatever, and to dress as he pleases, for he will be actuated evermore from a good motive. 2. But for him to use his full right would be often inexpedient and even pernicious to others. "Things lawful" for him would not always "edify," build up souls in reverent faith and true worship. Therefore do not stand upon your rights, but yield for the sake of others. II. SMALL SCRUPLES ON MIINOR MATTERS SHOULD NOT BE ENCOURAGED. I. If you are over-scrupulous about what you eat, it will prevent your participation in what nature has provided for you (ver. 25). If it is good meat it is not the worse for human food because used in sacrifice. 2. If you are over-scrupulous about the beliefs of men, you will be deprived of social enjoyments (ver. 27). Free, genial, social intercourse is one of the greatest blessings. Our Saviour came "eating and drinking," but by scrupulosity you sacrifice all this and injure your nature. The world was given for your enjoyment. "All things are yours." III. A DEFERENCE TO THE CONSCIENCES OF OTHERS SHOULD NEVER BE NEGLECTED. When at the table with meats which have been sacrificed to idols, from which a fellow-guest conscientiously abstains and reminds you of the fact, then out of deference to his weak conscience do not touch it — however delicious it may appear, and however hungry you may be. The most sacred thing is conscience, and the weakest should be respected. What are meats and drinks in comparison? IV. SUPREME REGARD FOR THE GLORY OF GOD SHOULD RULE US ALL (ver. 31). These words embrace all life. The definite acts of eating and drinking are mentioned because under consideration. They are, however, to be regulated by the same principle which guides all true life. The modern distinction between religious and secular is nowhere recognised by St. Paul. The commonest thing may be done in a high Christian spirit; the greatest deed may spring from a low and selfish motive. A religious act done in a secular spirit is secular. A secular thing done in a religious spirit is religious. V. THE GOOD OF OTHERS, AND NOT THE GRATIFICATION OF SELF, SHOULD BE OUR CONSTANT AIM (vers. 24, 32, 33). (D. Thomas, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. |
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