Paul begins with a Corinthian slogan, ‘I have the right to do anything’ (v 23),  and then responds. His answer points us to the limitations on our freedom in Christ for the sake of others (v 24). In Corinth, a key question was about meat sold in the market, much of which had been offered in pagan temples before being sold (v 25). Equally, believers might find themselves at dinner with friends and discover such meat (v 28). What to do?

Paul highlights a central principle. Does an action help or hinder others’ walk with God (vs 23,24,32)? Meat is neither here nor there: it’s God’s good gift in creation (v 26). However, if it’s a problem for another, then, for that person’s sake, don’t eat it (vs 28,29). What will bring God the most glory in the situation? That’s Paul’s concern (vs 31–33). Paul himself offers them a positive model of service (11:1), contrasting with negative examples from Israel’s history (10:1–13).

Are there areas of life where you need to change your behaviour in the light of Paul’s teaching?

‘It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.’¹ Thank God for the freedom you have in Christ. 

This is one of the passages where the focus on others, highlighted in the Introduction to these reflections, is very much to the fore. We have liberty in many things as Christians, for the life of discipleship is to do with relationship, not religion; to do with following a living Lord rather than a discouraging and wearying list of rules and regulations. Yet the crucial question Paul wants us to ask is: ‘What is in the best interests of others?’ We should answer this question with reference to both believers and unbelievers (vs 32,33). 

The particular application made in this passage, eating meat offered to idols, isn’t an issue for most of us, so let’s take another example. Should Christians drink alcohol? I humbly submit that we are free to do so. Christians have tied themselves in knots trying to explain how Jesus turned water into non-alcoholic wine.² I even once heard someone declare that when Paul said to Timothy, ‘take a little wine for your stomach’s sake’,³ he wasn’t being urged to drink it but to use it externally, that is, to rub it in! No, we are at liberty to take alcoholic drink – but is it always wise to do so? What about those who are working among rough sleepers or adherents of other faiths? What of those whose friends have alcohol-related problems? Such people may refrain from drinking themselves because they are putting the good of others first (vs 24,33). This guiding principle – think of others – can be applied to a wide range of situations. As we prioritise other people in this way, we are following the example of Paul and, even more, the example of Christ (11:1). We are free, but we are to use that freedom to follow closely in the footsteps of our Lord and promote the common good. 

Are you using your freedom in ways that cause others to stumble (v 32)? Pray that God will remind you that you are freed to serve. 

¹ Gal 5:1  ² see John 2:1–11  ³ see 1 Tim 5:23