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A CHRISTIAN IN PAGAN CULTURE

1 Corinthians 10.14-33

INTRODUCTION

                     1. Every generation of Christians faces the question, “How do I live for God in this worldly culture?”

                     2. This chapter advises the Corinthians about their culture, specifically: “What about meat offered to idols?”

· Some Christians said eat it because idols are not real.

· Some Christians said don’t eat it because it was really sacrificed.

· Good Christians disagreed and that can lead to contention.

                     3. In our culture, we don’t face the same issue but we may disagree about how to live out the Bible in this present American culture.  For example:

· How politically active should a Christian be? (vote? campaign? run for office? hide?)

· How socially active? (abortion, gay rights)

· How does the Bible impact choices of entertainment? (sports, movies, music)

· How trendy should a Christian be in styles of dress?

· Should a Christian have a tattoo? ...ever drink alcohol? ...use any tobacco?

                     4. Some things are not clearly spelled out with a  “Thou shalt” or “Thou shalt not.” Christians need to learn how to think Biblically, decide reverently before God, and live lovingly before others.

                     5. Our goal is to understand how this passage applied to the Corinthians in their culture and derive principles we can apply in our culture.

                     6. There are two overriding principles in this text which every Christian can apply with any cultural question.

            I. BE DIFFERENT, 14-22

                     1. Be different from idolaters. 14

                     2. Be different in wisdom. 15

                     3. Be different in Christ. 16 [GOSPEL]

                     4. Be different in unity. 17-18

                     5. Be different in knowledge. 19

                     6. Be different in purity. 20-21

                     7. Be different in reverence. 22

          II. BE WISE, 23-30

                     1. Be wise with your questions. 23-24

· Don’t ask, “Is it wrong?”

- It’s true that “all things are lawful.” 2x

- It’s also selfish. (“for me” 2x, “his own”)

· Ask, “Is it the best?”

- Is it helpful to me?

- Is it helpful to others?

                     2. Be wise with your conscience.

· Don’t question at a market. 25-26

· Don’t question at a feast. 27

                     3. Be wise with your testimony.

· Don’t do what offends others. 28

· Don’t do what others judge. 29-30

CONCLUSION

                     1. There are two overarching and concluding principles that conclude this discussion.

                     2. We are to glorify God in everything we do, even eating and drinking. Nothing in a Christian’s life should discredit God. 31

                     3. So how do we live like that? We are to live for others.

· We aim to offend no one. 32

· We aim to please everyone. 33

                     4. So why live like that? ...not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

                     5. The need for others to be saved is a powerful motivator in denying our rights.

                     6. Replacing self-expression with self-denial is a fundamental, Christ-like virtue.