Be Imitators, pt2
Leadership in Context with Keith Tucci
Episode 070
1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.
This is a direct reference to chapter 10 where Paul is talking about how he deals with unbelievers and those who have a sensitive conscience as believers.
1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.
When I hear someone make a claim for their right to use their liberty to do something that may potentially hurt someone, I realize that we have someone (out of ignorance or intention) who has focused the gospel around themselves rather than through themselves.
One of the main issues in our day is the consumption of alcohol. Some people will make the argument that casual drinking is OK and that they have the liberty to do so. Personally, I would disagree with that. Let’s say, for argument’s sake, that I agree with them, that they have the liberty to do that. Why would you take the liberty to do that when there is data that says that 1 out of 10 people are alcoholics? Why take that liberty when people could accuse us of being intoxicated, even if we weren’t, but we can’t prove that we weren’t since we cannot claim that we didn’t drink?
1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.
This is the Golden Rule. Put others first. Think about them. Think about how what you do might affect others.
1 Corinthians 10:25 Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake.
The cultural reference here is that although the meat might have been used as an offering for an idol, you didn’t do that. If your conscience is clear, eat it. But don’t wave it in their face…
1 Corinthians 10:28 But if anyone says to you, “This is meat sacrificed to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake.
Be aware that there are people who are watching you. There are people who might not have your clear understanding of Christian liberty. There are people who are watching your lifestyle. You need to guard your testimony.
1 Corinthians 10:30-31 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks? Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
If there is anything you have in this liberty that could take away from the glory of God, then that is a liberty that you need to lay down.
1 Corinthians 10:32 Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.
Paul is not just referring to those with understanding; he is talking about those with no understanding or those who have a completely different understanding—he’s encompassing all people.
This (the verses we have discussed) is the framework Paul is giving us when he says later…
1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.
Paul believed that this is how Jesus handled Himself, how we should handle ourselves, and that is what he modeled in his own life. We are not to use our liberty as a license, thus causing people to stumble.
1 Corinthians 10:33 Just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.
In all of the situations that Paul refers to earlier in chapter 10, he put all men before himself. He isn’t saying he can please everyone. But this is the Golden Rule—if you put people before yourself and think about them, you usually don’t have to make a big deal about any liberty that you have.
Why? “…so they may be saved.” Paul says to be imitators of him in the way he relates to all people. This is a good reminder: We are ambassadors of Christ for the Good News.
Join us next week as Keith Tucci continues to put leadership truth in the context of the local church. And as always, please like, share, rate/review, and invite others to listen. See you next week!
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