It’s been interesting reading these chapters this past week. And I think it’s important that we see them as one whole set.
There are two running themes throughout these chapters.
One is the way the Corinthians were thinking, “Everything is permissible for me as a Christian.” (1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23)
For them, that meant sexual sin was okay and eating food offered to idols was okay. As we’ve seen, Paul strongly disagrees with the first (6:18, 10:8) and gives a qualified agreement to the second. (I Corinthians 8).
The second theme running through these chapters is Paul’s correction of the Corinthians way of thinking. And it comes down to two questions: Who do we belong to? And what do we live for?
Who do we belong to? We belong to the Lord who bought us with his blood on the cross. (I Corinthians 6:19-20, 10:14-20).
What do we live for? We live for God and his kingdom.
And that should shape our thoughts on marriage (chapter 7), ministry (chapter 9), and our own freedoms and rights in Christ (chapters 8 and 10).
When we make decisions on these and other life issues, our primary concern shouldn’t be ourselves.
Rather, it should be how we can best serve God and his kingdom. How can we reach as many people as possible for him?
Paul sums all this up with this word:
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.
Give no offense to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I also try to please everyone in everything, not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33)
Let’s also remember Jesus’ own words.
But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things (that is, all your needs) will be provided for you. (Matthew 6:33)
What shapes your way of thinking? What shapes your life?
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 