1 Cor 10:31-11:1
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 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. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
In the 16th century, there was a Christian reformation, and they asked themselves this question: what is the chief end of man? what is the ultimate purpose of life?
They sought this answer in order to explain what it means to be Christian – what the essence of Christianity is. Because a person’s answer to this question would guide their life decisions, shape their goals, and define their meaning of life.
How would a normal person answer this question? They would probably say something like money, marriage, family, or happiness.
If you were asked, what would you say?
The 16th century Christians came up with this answer to what the chief end of man is: it is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever
After Easter, PD preached about the mission Jesus gave his followers: to go and make disciples, take care of his sheep, and witness his resurrection to others – so the kind of life we should experience is one with purpose. PD also preached about the adulteress woman, and how Jesus forgave her and gave her a purpose – he changed her direction for the better.
So what is this purpose Jesus gave us? It’s not to experience comfort – but to be given a new direction from God
Christian life has purpose – and the chief end of man is to glorify god and to enjoy him forever. So how can we live this life?
Our verses today give us some guidelines. Do all to glory of God and don’t seek your own advantage but that of others that they may be saved.
PD gave us three point on how to live out this purpose of glorifying God
1. Glorify God in everyday life (life of Coram Deo)
To glorify God means to praise and honor him. So as it says – eating, drinking, whatever you do, do it for God. Not only in church but in everything. Hanging out with friends, studying, working, and so on.
Every place and every activity, even in the daily and mundane, glorify God.
It can be simplified also like this: if it doesn’t glorify God, don’t do it. It if does, then do it. Live life before the face of God, being aware of what you do
2. Glorify God by not seeking your own advantage
To not give offense to others, it means to not be a stumbling block or a hindrance. If something like a possession or action makes someone else stumble, it’s not worth it because making someone stumble can close doors for them spiritually.
Also seeking the advantage of others is not about saying yes to everyone, but more about being accommadable. To be willing to change your own shape for others. You can do this by remembering to live out JOY: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last
3. Glorify God is to save the lost
A Christian is someone who shares this vision in their life – to save the lost. If we don’t live life to glorify God – we can’t expect God to save others through us. But if we remember to live with JOY, people will be saved.
Live a life to where you can be like Paul. An example others can imitate as you imitate Jesus.
Discussion:
– What spoke to you from this message?
– What point do you do best and what do you need to work on? (doing everything for God, seeking advantage of others, living to save the lost)
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