Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Psalms 104-106
     New Testament Reading: 1 Corinthians 10

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God – 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 Corinthians 10: 31-33).

Paul concludes this three-chapter section on the mature believer’s response to Christian liberty with two additional guidelines.

Paul uses the nation Israel as an example to warn the mature believers that caution must balance their experience. There are dangers to maturity and to immaturity, and one of them is overconfidence. When we think we are strong, we discover we are weak. He reminds the mature Christians; So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (v12-13).

The believer who thinks he can stand strong may fall. But God always provides a way to escape if we will trust Him instead of our ability. Are we stronger than He? (v22). Paul asks the strong Christian, who was sure he could enjoy his liberty in the pagan temple and not be harmed. Paul was saying you may be stronger than your weaker brother, but you are not stronger than God who says flee from idolatry (v14).

There are many issues that Christians face, like eating meat and accepting financial support, that have no simple answer. They are not commanded or forbidden in Scripture. They are not black or white, but gray. At no time did Paul deny the freedom of the mature believer to enjoy their privileges in Christ in these gray areas.

But Paul said, “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 (v23). Responsibility must balance our freedom in Christ. And Paul states two responsibilities all Christians have.

First, he said, no one should seek their own good, but the good of others (v24). Mature Christians are to put others first. We are responsible for building others up in the faith and seeking their benefit. We must choose to do what is best for others, not what appeals to our tastes or egos.

Our second responsibility is to do it all for the glory of God (v31).Mature Christiansare responsible for always seek to glorify God in everything they do. Paul says, For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved (v33). The ultimate purpose for our being on earth is to bring others to Christ and help them mature in their walk with Him. We must always move toward fulfilling this mission.

Paul provides four principles in chapters 8-10 for Believers to follow when making personal decisions regarding our freedom in Christ.
Knowledge Must be Balanced by Love (ch 8),
Authority Must be Balanced by Discipline (ch 9),
Experience Must be Balanced by Caution (ch10:1-22),
Freedom Must be Balanced by Responsibility (ch 10:23-33)
When a Believer follows these guides, they are well on their way to Christian maturity.