Theme: As Sent Ones, Disciples Intentionally Immerse Themselves in a Relationship with Others to Grow Under Their Leadership
Your Biblical Identity in Christ
1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God…
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
~ Apostle Paul
The Believer’s Freedom
23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
25 Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, 26 for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
27 If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. 29 I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? 30 If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Pondering Point
Envision this in your world: Everything you do has its intended effect to bring glory to God. What an image – and what an example for others to see – and follow! Isn’t this who we want to be in Christ Jesus? I hope so!
Well, before you become a godly example to follow, it is helpful that you have a godly example to follow. As you work through God’s word this week, you will see biblical people challenged this way. You will see it in the lives of unlikely partners like Gentile soldiers and Jewish believers. You will hear it called for in a broken relationship between Philemon and Onesimus. It means that this is a good time for you to consider who you are being called to partner with and come alongside for the sake of God’s Gospel-oriented living. Celebrate who you are in Christ, and practice it daily.
• In Christ, I exist for God’s glory. In imitation of Christ, I will seek the good of others and, as an example, seek to do all things – including eating and drinking – for the glory of God
Prayer
Father God, I want to live for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name I pray for it. Amen.
Proverb for the Week
Proverbs 9:9
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
Try to memorize this proverb.