1 Corinthians 6-10

November 29

1 Corinthians 6-10

What is our responsibility for other believers? In our individualized society, we often see no relationship between our actions and the affect they have on other people. Paul expressed a different perspective. Though we are free, if our actions cause someone else to stumble in their faith, we are guilty of sinning against them and against Christ. It is better to have to abstain from activities that may cause another person to stumble, than to express our freedom while causing them to stumble. Paul said he would rather never eat meat again than to cause someone else to fall.

We are free from living by a list of rules when we are in a relationship with Jesus, but love for other people is sometimes expressed by making sacrifices for their benefit. Paul wrote; "Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible." (1 Corinthians 9:19, NIV) Making Christlike disciples is more important than expressing our “rights.” We do not sacrifice our uniqueness or our freedom, but we exercise our freedom by looking for ways to connect with other people so we can introduce them to Jesus.

Paul wrote; " I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." (1 Corinthians 9:22-23, NIV) Paul’s primary goal in life is not to express his freedom, but to spread the gospel. For that reason he puts others before himself in order to win them to Christ. It would be good if we would examine our hearts, our motives to see what drives our actions. Is it Jesus and the spread of the gospel, or is it self centered and our freedoms and rights as a follower of Jesus?