#3. Does it build? Why is Paul posing this issue. In chapter 8 and in the first part of chapter 10, Paul is responding to questions about eating meals in pagan celebrations. The situation here is similar but different. Now we've been invited to a home where our hosts, who aren't Christians serve us a plate of food. That food could have been used previously in pagan worship, or it may not have been. Paul is affirming that the believer is free and is not under some moral demand here. He is saying that we have lots of options. But he is also saying there is an option that surfaces as the best one. How do we decide? One of the questions we must ask is, "Does it build up?"
The Greek word is οἰκοδομέω [prounounced, oy·kod·om·eh·o] which is a common word used to build a house. The previous question that Paul raises is does participation in this impair or strengthen your relationship with Christ? This question has to do with progress. My opinion is that verse 24 explains what Paul has in mind: “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” (1 Corinthians 10:24, ESV). Whereas the first issue has to do with your relationship with Jesus, the second issue has to do with the other person(s). The NIV uses the term in the clause: "but not everything is constructive."
Now this does not easily solve the problem, but it does give us a framework to make decisions. What is the good for the neighbor? A Christian may be able to eat the meat – it's just meat, but how will that affect others? Calvin[1] is insightful on this when he comments:
"He handles the same subject in the 14th Chapter of the Romans. Let no one please himself, but endeavor to please his brethren for their edification This is a precept that is very necessary, for we are so corrupted by nature, that every one consults his own interests, regardless of those of his brethren. Now, as the law of love calls upon us to love our neighbors as ourselves, (Matthew 22:39,) so it requires us to consult their welfare. The Apostle, however, does not expressly forbid individuals to consult their own advantage, but he requires that they should not be so devoted to their own interests, as not to be prepared to forego part of their right, as often as the welfare of their brethren requires this."
So the question that I'm wrestling with is, "How do I enjoy God's world without being worldly?" So far I need to ask 3 questions about my options:
1. How will this decision affect my relationship with Christ?
2. How will this decision affect my freedom to love and serve Christ?
3. How will this decision affect others, particularly other Christians?
There are two more critical questions to consider ....
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