1. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:31-11:1 DO ALL IN HIS NAME

2. In tonight’s text, Paul is concluding a discussion on food offered to idols. Paul has just said that eating food offered to idols is lawful but it isn’t beneficial to others. In 1 Cor 8-10, eating food offered to idols centered on two issues: One: Coming under the influence of paganism. Two: Influencing others to do wrong.

3. GLORIFY GOD VERSE 31

4. “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” The important idea here is “the glory of God.” As in English the word “glory” can mean “reputation.” All Christians in Corinth needed to work to enhance God’s reputation. Matt 5:14-16. Phil 1:9-11.

5. Why did the Corinthian church need to glorify God in whatever they did? One: They were the church of God (1 Cor 1:2). Two: They were bought with Jesus’ blood (1 Cor 6:19-20). How do we glorify God today? One: We carefully live by what we proclaim. Two: We strive to live by what we proclaim in everything.

6. GRIEVE NO ONE VERSES 32-33

7. The Corinthian Christians needed to “give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God.” “Give offense” means “lead to sin.” Paul tried to please everyone in everything he did, not seeking his own advantage but the advantage of many in order that they might be saved. “Please” strongly carries the idea of attempt.

8. We need to seek the good of others. Love “does not seek its own” (1 Cor 13:5). “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves” (Rom 15:1). The context of this passage is seeking the good of others in order that the might be saved. The salvation of others needs to be one of our highest aims: Col 1:28-29.

9. GO AFTER HIM VERSE 1

10. “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” Paul regularly thought of others in order to win them to Christ. Acts 20:34-35. 2 Thess 3:7-9. Jesus is our supreme example. He had others had the forefront of his ministry. Jesus cleansed a leper, whom you weren’t supposed to touch, and the leper became a follower of Jesus (Mk 1:40-45). Jesus healed a widow’s son and the people glorified God (Lk 7:11-17).

11. ARE WE WILLING TO SERVE OTHERS?