Together in Christ: 'So That Many Can Be Saved' — 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
— 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 NLT

Key Thought

As disciples, we model our lives on Jesus. [1] Two of His sayings beautifully expressed the purpose of His ministry:

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." [2]
The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to [Jesus]. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:
 
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord's favor has come."
 
He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. "The Scripture you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day!"  [3]
But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, "Why does he eat with such scum?"
 
When Jesus heard this, he told them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor — sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."  [4]

In our relationships with those outside of Jesus' family, we must follow the commitment of Paul to do everything possible to reach them with the Good News. Paul gave up His rights and privileges to reach the lost, following the example of Jesus. [5] Like the apostle Paul, we want to do more than live out the Great Commission of Jesus as a command. [6] We yearn to follow Jesus into our world [7] sharing our hope "in a gentle and respectful way," [8] inviting others to come to Jesus as Lord and Savior. [9] God placed us here on earth for this time in history as His people to bring those in darkness into the light of God's love, grace, and mercy. [10] Our number one priority in our relationships with non-believers is to love and serve them so they will encounter Jesus!

[1] Luke 6:40; Colossians 1:28-29 — notice Paul's statement, "...imitate me, just as I imitate Christ."
[2] Mark 10:45.
[3] Luke 4:17-21.
[4] Mark 2:16-17.
[5] Philippians 2:5-11.
[6] Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8.
[7] John 3:16-17, 20:20-23.
[8] 1 Peter 3:15-16.
[9] Romans 9:9-13.
1 Peter 2:9-10; Ephesians 2:1-10

Today's Prayer

Father, help us — and especially help me — to hear the hearts of those who are lost and seeking something better. Holy Spirit, please help us to hear the yearnings of those trapped in desperation and who don't know where to turn to find grace to help them in their times of deepest need. Use us, Lord Jesus, to reach out to the kind of people You loved and on whom you extended Your time, attention, and mercy as You brought them back home to God as Father. I ask this in Your name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 4:1-21
  • 1 Peter 2:9-10, 3:13-18

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Illustration

Illustration of 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 NLT — So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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