Theme: Conclusion on Exercising Rights

Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:14–11:1

Concluding his lengthy discussion on believers’ rights and freedom, Paul provides several commands under two main directives:

1. Flee Idolatry (14–22)

a. Paul’s Logic (15–20):

i. Believers participate in Christ through the Lord’s Supper (15–17).

ii. Those who eat sacrificed meat participate in the worship of that altar (18).

iii. Demonic beings stand behind such worship (19–20a).

iv. Such consumption is participation in the demonic (20b).

b. Application (21–22): The things of this world can be controlled by spiritual beings opposed to God.

i. Participating in these things is idolatry (21).

ii. Such participation arouses God’s anger (22).

2. Treat Others as More Important than Self (23–11:1)

a. Seek the advantage of the other (23–30)

i. Enjoy the things God has created (25–27).

ii. Elevate the other’s conscience over your freedom (28–30).

b. Do all for God’s glory (31).

c. Pursue Blamelessness (32–33).

i. Among all people

ii. In all circumstances

iii. Focused on others for their salvation

Main Idea: When it comes to exercising rights, Imitate Christ (11:1).

Application Questions:

How does idolatry manifest itself in churches today? With what forms of idolatry do you struggle?

If, as was the case in Corinth, idolatry can be committed unintentionally, how do we identify it in our lives and churches? What should be done to address it?

What actions do you need to put into practice to elevate others’ consciences over your freedom?

Given the context in which the command is found, what does “Do all for the glory of God” mean? How should this shape your life and impact your choices?

How does our pursuit of blamelessness influence another’s salvation (v. 32–33)?

In what ways does putting these directives into practice imitate Christ? What does imitation of Christ look like in your life? What needs to change?