1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1 | "Whatever You Do"

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Sunday, August 29, 2021. 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1 | "Whatever You Do." Whatever we do as Christians flows out of who we are as Christians. In this way, we do not act on theory but on theology. As witnesses for Christ, our works testify about who God is and what God does. How can we ensure that our decisions and actions glorify God consistently and represent the gospel clearly in the eyes of believers and unbelievers? This text equips us with three ways to evaluate our actions as Christ-followers. This message preaches from 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1. It is part of a preaching series through 1 Corinthians "To The Church." The title of this sermon is "Whatever You Do."

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I. Reading of Scripture

I will read 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1 in our hearing. Today’s sermon will focus on the last four verses, beginning in verse 31.
1 Corinthians 10:14 ESV
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
1 Corinthians 10:15 ESV
I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.
1 Corinthians 10:16 ESV
The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?
1 Corinthians 10:17 ESV
Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.
1 Corinthians 10:18 ESV
Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar?
1 Corinthians 10:19 ESV
What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?
1 Corinthians 10:20 ESV
No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.
1 Corinthians 10:21 ESV
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.
1 Corinthians 10:22 ESV
Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?
1 Corinthians 10:23 ESV
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.
1 Corinthians 10:24 ESV
Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
1 Corinthians 10:25 ESV
Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience.
1 Corinthians 10:26 ESV
For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.”
1 Corinthians 10:27 ESV
If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience.
1 Corinthians 10:28 ESV
But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience—
1 Corinthians 10:29 ESV
I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience?
1 Corinthians 10:30 ESV
If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?
1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:32 ESV
Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,
1 Corinthians 10:33 ESV
just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
This is God’s Word, Amen.
[Title Slide]

1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 ”Whatever You Do”

II. Introduction

A. Introduction to Theme

Whatever we do as Christians, is either a witness FOR, or a witness AGAINST, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Whatever we do as the Church, is either a witness FOR, or a witness AGAINST, our Lord Jesus Christ!
1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
To be known by the name of “Christ,” to be called a “Christian,” to exist in a faith community as a member of Christ’s Church, means that every thought we think, every statement we speak, every deed we do —
Whatever we do will serve as a witness (for or against) Christ.
The apostle’s instruction “To the Church” at the end of Chapter 10, compels us all to be witnesses FOR our Lord Jesus Christ in whatever we do.
But what does that mean?
How can we ensure that whatever we do, is right?
How can we ensure that whatever we do, is a witness FOR Christ?
Our text equips us with three ways to evaluate our actions as believers.
Let us remember these three words to help us evaluate our actions.
“Whatever you do,” DO —
[ Read word & Text Capture ]
exclusively | “do all to the glory of God” [10:31]
evangelistically | “that they may be saved” [10:32-33]
expressively | “as I am of Christ.” [11:1]
In Chapter 8, Verse 1, the apostle began to answer a question posed to him by the church in Corinth about food offered to idols.
And the apostle took a long road to arrive at his answer.
He spoke about knowledge. He spoke about love. He spoke about his rights and his living. He spoke about examples from “our fathers” in history. He has spoken about idols. He has spoken about the food itself.
He has turned this question around to see all sides and consider how to answer from every point of view.
His answer is informed. It is not a guess. He’s done his homework.
His answer is honest. He doesn’t overlook the consequences. He addresses the complexities involved.
When answering a question theoretically, a solution may seem very complicated.
But when answering a question theologically, a solution must be very clear.
As Christians, we do not act out of theory. We act out of theology.
What we do, is an outflow of what we know about God. That’s theology.
And wrapped up in theology is Christology - what we know about Christ.
And wrapped up in theology and Christology is also Pneumatology - what we know about the Holy Spirit.
Whatever we do as Christians must done in such a way that represents the one, holy, living and true God to all people - God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We must act in a way that is consistent and clear about who God is and who we are as His called and empowered people.
We must not act in a way that confuses God in the eyes of anyone watching us. Because whatever we do says something about who God is and what God does!

B. Introduction to Text

Here, at the end of Chapter 10, the time for argument has ended. It is now time to act.
This conclusion is recognized by the words of verse 31 —
“Whatever you do.” (10:31)
It’s as if the apostle recognizes that the people are going to “do whatever they are going to do.”
I’ve given my counsel and my instruction, but I recognize that “you are going to do whatever you are going to do.”
That is often how I feel on Sundays. Having prepared, prayed, studied, taught and preached God’s Word, exhorting all who hear to understand and obey and live this out by faith —
I realize that you’re going to do what you’re going to do. And there is nothing I can do about that!
Recently, I preached about something specific, something God clearly calls us to obey by faith. And I spoke with someone who looked me in the eyes and did not say “I will work to obey that, so help me God!” Or, “I want to obey that, so help me God!” But instead, simply said “I don’t do that.”
“You’re going to do what you’re going to do.”
Speaking now, specifically to my context - I know that the majority of you listening right now in this Sanctuary, are in the senior years of life.
For you, this is something to pay close attention to. Because you are at a point in your life where you are inclined not to change your ways for anything!
“You’re going to do whatever you’re going to do.”
The sin to guard against in old age is the sin of becoming hardened, and “set in your ways.”
I recognize that you are going to do whatever you are going to do. But, I hope and pray that God will give you a heart, and us all a heart, that desires to do all things well, and all things rightly.
If that is you today, and you are not resisting the desire of the Holy Spirit to dwell in your heart by faith and so empower you to live for God, then hear what God says through His Holy Word —

III. Exposition

A. Whatever You Do…Do Exclusively | “all to the glory of God” [ 10:31 ]

Whatever you do…do exclusively | “all to the glory of God.”
This exhortation comes to us in the form of an instruction found in verse 31:
10.31
1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
To do something “exclusively” means to do it to the “exclusion of others.”
And so it is, that whatever we do may be done unto a host of people, including God, and even ourselves!
Ask this question before you act: Who am I doing this for?
The Church in Corinth wanted to know whether or not they should eat of this food that had been sacrificed idols.
When it comes here to the time to act, the apostle does not mince words about this food or act of eating.
He teaches clearly that:
“food represents fellowship” (10:16-17)
And he illustrates the highest example food and fellowship by bringing into view the Christ meal: Communion.
1 Corinthians 10:16 ESV
16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?
That word “participation” is the Greek word [ κοινωνία ] which is the word for “fellowship.”
This “fellowship” is what we, as Christians have been called into, together, in Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:9 ESV
9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
And this fellowship, this uniting together in Christ, is witnessed by Christians in the Communion meal.
I think it is needed, and would be even helpful, if we celebrated Communion every Sunday we gather for this reason!
1 Corinthians 10:17 ESV
17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.
Notice the word “one.” We are not two bodies. We are “one body” partaking of “the one bread” - “the body of Christ.
This means our fellowship is exclusive to Christians.
Our fellowship, Church, is exclusive for those who are in fellowship with Christ.
When the Church partakes of the Communion meal in fellowship with Christ, we witness that we belong to Christ exclusively, and to no other.
An idol has no real existence. It is not living.
But an idol represents something that does have an existence, and that is living.
And the apostle is clear - When people who are not Christians sacrifice food to idols, while they are sacrificing food to a dead, man-made object, they are simultaneously sacrificing to something that is very much real and alive. They are sacrificing to demons.
1 Corinthians 10:19 ESV
19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?
1 Corinthians 10:20 ESV
20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.
Do you see, Church, there is no middle ground of neutrality? There is no middle road. There is no room for inclusivity as it pertains to the object of our actions as Christians.
Whatever you do, if it is not done unto God, is done unto another, which may include demons.
“I do not want you to be participants [ fin fellowship ] with demons.”
1 Corinthians 10:21 ESV
21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.
1 Corinthians 10:22 ESV
22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?
God is a jealous God! And to flirt, or fellowship with demons provokes God.
Do you think that you are so strong that you can entertain that thought, watch that video, listen to that song, say that word, drink that drink, smoke that whatever it is you smoke - and remain pure because you are so strong?
“Are we stronger than he?”
Are you stronger than God? Have you made yourself “God”?
1 Corinthians 10:14 ESV
14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
Move quickly away from it.
Take that thought captive. Shut off that video. Change the song. Throw that word in the garbage where it belongs. Pour out that drink. Put out whatever you are smoking.
You can’t mingle unholy things in the fellowship of God.
We can’t include idols in our worship.
Ask this question before you act: Who am I doing this for?
Am I doing this for myself?
Am I doing this for my spouse?
Am I doing this for my children or grandchildren?
Am I doing this for my supervisor at work?
Am I doing this for my church?
Am I doing this for demons?
Or, Am I doing this for God?
The gospel of Jesus Christ says that God participates in the table with us, and fellowships with us, and because we are called into the fellowship of Christ - we may do “whatever we do” to the glory of God - exclusively!
This means that even the most difficult, or dreaded tasks we have to perform, God empowers us as Christians to do them well, to do them rightly, unto God.
And if God we would allow the Holy Spirit to sear that upon our minds and hearts, we would find joy in this life that is lived not for other people, not for ourselves, but for God.
Whatever You Do…Do Exclusively | “all to the glory of God.”
Ask this question: Who am I doing this for?
Secondly,

B. Whatever You Do…Do Evangelistically | “that they may be saved” [ 10:32-33 ]

10.32
1 Corinthians 10:32 ESV
Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,
1 Corinthians 10:33 ESV
33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
The word “Evangelistically” or “evangelical” is formed from the Greek word [ εὐαγγέλιον ] which means “gospel.” Good news.
Whatever we do, as Christians, must must be done in a way that advances the gospel.
The gospel is God’s gift of salvation from sin received by grace through faith, in the person and work of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
Whatever we do as the Church, must be done in a way that is consistent with that message, not in a way that contradicts it.
1 Corinthians 10:23 ESV
23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.
1 Corinthians 10:24 ESV
24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
The first question we ask is, “Who am I doing this for?”
If the answer is “for someone other than God” - as Christians, we don’t do it!
God is our priority. God comes first.
Once our priority is right,
after we repent of any selfishness or prideful reasons for doing what we do,
after we purge any evil ambitions or vain conceit,
after we flee from any flirtation with idols and flee idolatry —
After, with God’s help, we do everything exclusively to the glory of God and God alone,
The next consideration involves our neighbor.
We then ask the question: “Will this offend my neighbor?”
Three “neighbors” in this context are mentioned in Verse 32:
1 Corinthians 10:32 ESV
32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,
People like me, people not like me, and people in fellowship with me.
Believers and unbelievers are in view here.
What will serve as an advantage to another?
What will build up another?
This is a selfless way of thinking. This is a gracious way of thinking.
This is a generous way of living that is pleasing to God!
The apostle says -
If food is the issue,
1 Corinthians 10:26 ESV
26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.”
Eat what belongs to the Lord.
Isn’t that what we are doing, when we give God “thanks” before we eat? When we say “grace”?
Are we not recognizing that what we are partaking of belongs to God?
But if an unbeliever sets before you food and says “this was sacrificed to an idol,” now your witness is at stake. In that unbeliever’s mind, that food belongs not to God, but to an idol.
And now - you are obligated as a Christian witness, to refuse that food. Because partaking in that food, in that person’s mind, will join you in fellowship with an idol.
Christians — Church — We must maintain our CLEAR witness.
1 Corinthians 10:28 ESV
28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience—
Do not seek your own advantage. Go hungry for a bit. Let your stomach grumble for a bit. Be that awkward person at the table NOT stuffing your face with the food. Be embarrassed for a meal. Assume the risk of not being invited back.
Because the soul of a lost person is at stake!
It is to THEIR advantage that they know that there is a fellowship that they know nothing of. A fellowship that they are excluded from.
It is to THEIR advantage that they observe by your witness that there is a better food, and a better meal. The bread and body of Christ. The fellowship of the saints of God.
1 Corinthians 10:33 ESV
33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
The apostle is not a people-pleaser. He denounces that in other places. And practically, it is not possible to please everyone!
What he means by pleasing everyone is an echo of what he said before in Chapter 9 when he concludes:
1 Corinthians 9:22 ESV
22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.
1 Corinthians 9:23 ESV
23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
Back to Chapter 10, he concludes the same way again —
1 Corinthians 10:33 ESV
33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
Salvation. God’s salvation.
Salvation from sin, death and the grave. Salvation from ourselves and our pride. Salvation from idols.
God saves! And “Whatever you do” - “Whatever we do” must witness to the salvation of God.
Whatever You Do…Do Exclusively | “all to the glory of God.”
Ask this question: Who am I doing this for?
Whatever You Do…Do Evangelistically | “that they may be saved.”
Ask this question: Will this offend my neighbor?
Those like me, those not like me, those with me?
Finally,

C. Whatever You Do...Do Expressively | “as I am of Christ” [ 11:1 ]

Ask this question: Does this imitate Christ?
The word “exclusively” means to the exclusion of others.
The word “evangelistically” means with the gospel in view.
The word “expressively” means that we
“convey a specified quality or idea”
(Dict.).
This means, that Whatever we do, must convey a quality or idea of Christ.
The apostle says:
11.1
1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
The apostle acted toward the Church, in a way that imitated Christ’s acting toward His Church.
It was visible, discernable. It was expressive in this way.
Christ likewise, acted in a way that way that was visible, discernable, and expressive.
We can’t hide as Christians. We are meant to be a light in the darkness. We are meant to be witnesses for Jesus.
Acts 1:8 ESV
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Whatever you do matters. Whatever you do witnesses for or against Christ.
The apostle has freedom and authority and rights that he may exercise, and he laid them all down so that the Corinthians might be saved. So that his witness might not be lost in the Church.
Jesus in the flesh, did this in a far greater way, and by doing so, revealed to us our Heavenly Father.
Church, we don’t get to define what it means to glorify God.
This text is often abused when someone does what they want to, disobediently, contrary to God’s will and God’s ways, as if they can trump it by declaring “I’m doing this to the glory of God.”
You can’t curse to the glory of God.
You can’t watch pornography to the glory of God.
You can’t gossip to the glory of God.
You can’t skip church to the glory of God.
We don’t get to define what it means to glorify God.
Jesus defines that for us. Jesus defines that by his humility.
Whatever You Do…Do Exclusively | “all to the glory of God.”
Ask this question: Who am I doing this for?
Whatever You Do…Do Evangelistically | “that they may be saved.”
Ask this question: Will this offend my neighbor?
Whatever You Do…Do Expressively | “as I am of Christ.”
Ask this question: Does this imitate Christ?
Philippians 2:1 ESV
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
Philippians 2:2 ESV
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Philippians 2:3 ESV
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Philippians 2:4 ESV
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:5 ESV
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
Philippians 2:6 ESV
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
Philippians 2:7 ESV
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
Philippians 2:8 ESV
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:9 ESV
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
Philippians 2:10 ESV
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
Philippians 2:11 ESV
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
[Wait a second]
And all God’s people said: “Amen.”
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