Reference

1 Corinthians 10

The video, "20 Flee Idolatry," discusses Paul's plea to the church at Corinth regarding Christian liberties, particularly concerning eating meat sacrificed to idols.

Here's a summary of the key points:

  • The Core Issue: Meat Sacrificed to Idols Paul explained that while those with knowledge understood idols had no power and the meat was just meat (1:10-1:35), some believers coming out of idolatry tied the meat to their past idol worship, making it a matter of conscience for them (2:24-2:43). Eating such meat, though not inherently sinful, could cause weaker brothers and sisters to stumble back into sin, similar to offering wine to a recovering alcoholic (3:05-3:18). Paul emphasized laying down personal freedoms for the sake of others, stating he would never eat meat if it caused a brother to stumble (3:21-3:54).

  • Paul's Example of Self-Denial Paul anticipated pushback from the Corinthians about giving up their freedoms. He spent Chapter 9 explaining his own self-denial as an apostle, giving up his rights to minister to more people and win souls for Christ (4:11-4:40). He stated, "To the weak I become as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (4:44-4:55).

  • Lessons from Israel's History Paul used Israel's rebellion against God as a cautionary example, warning against pride and thinking one is too strong to fall into sin (5:31-6:42). He reminded them that God always provides a way of escape from temptation (6:57-7:19).

  • Identifying Christian Liberties The speaker discussed how to identify Christian liberties, referencing Romans 14:19-20 (7:44-8:40), which advises pursuing peace and edification, and not destroying God's work over food. He provided a list of areas that are matters of personal preference or conviction, not sin, where believers should be mindful of others' consciences (9:19-15:50):

    • Musical preferences (10:02)
    • Clothing styles (10:46)
    • Shopping in certain stores (11:08)
    • Dancing (12:40)
    • Drinking alcohol without getting drunk (13:33)
    • Dietary convictions (14:54)
    • Forms of transportation (15:32)

  • Questions to Ask Yourself Regarding Liberties The speaker offered a series of questions to navigate these issues (16:09):

    1. Does it offend God? If it contradicts God's Word, it is sin, and you should not partake (16:26-17:21).
    2. Does it offend your own conscience? If yes, abstain; if no, you are at liberty (17:27-19:13).
    3. Does it offend my brother or sister in Christ's conscience? If yes, set your liberty aside for the time (19:16-20:05).
    4. Will this draw them or myself closer to Christ or will it become a stumbling block? If it pulls away from Christ, abstain (20:10-20:31).
    5. Am I in a place where my brother or sister would be offended? If no, you are at liberty (20:36-21:18).

  • Flee from Idolatry Paul's main point shifts to fleeing from idolatry, not just avoiding meat sacrificed to idols in general, but specifically avoiding eating it in the temple where it was sacrificed (22:53-23:37). Partaking in such a meal was seen as communing with demons, just as communion with Christ aligns believers with Him (25:51-30:33). Believers cannot partake of the Lord's table and the table of demons (30:39-30:48).

  • All Things Lawful, Not All Helpful Paul emphasizes that while "all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but not all things edify" (33:05-33:17). Eating meat offered to idols might be lawful, but eating it in the temple would not be helpful in one's walk with Christ (33:24-33:31).

  • Seeking Others' Well-being Believers should not seek their own profit but the well-being of others (34:02-34:10). When buying meat in the marketplace, Paul advises not asking about its origin for conscience sake (34:41-35:23). Similarly, if invited to dinner by a non-believer, eat what is served without asking questions (37:30-38:44). However, if the host explicitly states the food was offered to idols, a believer should abstain to avoid partaking in false worship (38:46-39:53), illustrating with an example of eating a meal blessed in the name of Allah (40:59-41:54).

  • Do All to the Glory of God The overarching principle is to "do all to the glory of God" (44:40-44:48). If something cannot bring God glory, it should not be done (45:25-45:29). The speaker concludes by urging believers to imitate Paul, who imitated Christ, by sacrificing personal rights for the growth and strengthening of fellow believers, just as Christ humbled himself and sacrificed everything for humanity's salvation (46:00-48:30).