‘Flee idolatry’ was Paul’s message back in verse 14, 20-21. But what about outside the pagan temple?
- Glorify God by seeking the good of others.
- 10:23-24. Freedom is important but it is not the only issue. See Rom.15:2; Phil.2:4.
- 10:31-33. Gordon Fee: ‘To give offence … does not so much mean to hurt someone’s feelings as to behave in such a way as to prevent someone else from hearing the gospel, or to alienate someone who is already a brother or sister.’
- always check the context – see Gal.1:10; 1 Thess.2:4.
- There are circumstances where Christian can eat meat offered to idols.
- -10:25-26; Psalm 24:1 – everything belongs to God, He made everything. I asked a Muslim if Allah created the pig.
- John Murray on receiving an Easter egg: ‘Receive all things with thanksgiving, asking no questions for conscience’s sake.’ What was more important – not eating the egg or showing gratitude to the young boy?
- Mark 7:18-23; Luke 10:7-8.
- We must seek not to offend anyone from the gospel.
- 10:27-30. In a pagan temple, the answer is ‘No’ – 10:20-21; Ex.34:15. In the home of the unbeliever, the answer is a bit more complicated.
- Rom.15:3; 1 Cor.11:1. Glorify God by seeking the good of others.