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1 Corinthians 10 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
So many Christians today have fallen into the temptation of obsessing over rights and privileges. What I mean by that is the need to ask the question, “What harm can it do?” to grey-area issues. We think, “I don’t care who I offend, I have a right to do this.” Ultimately, it communicates a “me first” attitude to all who observe. Many today are quick to defend these rights and do as they please. They will swiftly reference a verse to back it up, but Paul takes a different angle.
All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 NASB
The Corinthians, like many Americans, wanted to figure out the bare minimum requirements. How much can I get away with and still be a Christian? Can you show me where the line is so I can get as close as I can to it? Again, this type of outlook is focused purely on self. It does not take into consideration what is profitable and what edifies others.
Paul’s primary concern was how they were using their God-given freedom. To him, it was natural to use your freedoms to advance the Gospel in the most loving and relatable way possible. Paul didn’t compromise on truth and He didn’t compromise on grace; he only compromised on his own desires.
Just think how different our churches would look if we followed this advice!