Sunday School Lesson: Freedom to Edify, I Corinthians 10:23-11:1, November 26, 2023.
Key Text: All things are lawful for me, but all things edify not (1 Corinthians 10:23b)
The Corinthian believers solicited Paul’s advice on the question of meat sacrificed to idols. There were many pagan temple rituals and festivals of various kinds which obligated the Corinthians to participate. Meat unused at such feasts found its way into the marketplace and the butcher shops.
Paul’s approach was to state his principle and demonstrate to the Corinthians how they should put into practice their Christian liberty and the principles which govern it.
No doubt you have been told that all options are open to the believers; however, there is only one choice that is best. This is Paul’s Principle of Expediency. And, there are some choices that will be of no help at all. Paul now enlarges on his Principle of Edification, “all things are lawful…but all things edify not” v 23. The works of this principle will please the concerns, the needs, and the welfare (wealth) of others first v 24.
Paul’s advice to anyone who unknowingly purchased meat offered to idols, is “Whatsoever is sold…that eat, asking no question for conscience sake, for the earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof” v 28, the Principle of Conscience. Likewise, if you have been invited to a feast at the home of an unbeliever, and it is your desire to go, “whatsoever is set before you, eat asking no question for conscience sake” v 27. However, remember that the gospel of Christ did not lay any general burden (conscience); instead, man must do nothing at which any weak brother might feel hurt or be stumbled. Paul defends the right of Christians to eat anything set before them in pagan homes and to express their sincere thanks to God for such benefits, the Principle of Thanksgiving.
Paul’s last words on the subject of Christian Liberty were Evangelistic in nature. His Principle of Evangelism was the example of Christ reflected in Him, the ultimate standard. Since Paul is following Him he is able to say to the Corinthians believers, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (Corinthians 11:1).
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