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Commentary on "Nutrition in the Bible"
Day 1: Sabbath Afternoon, June 12, 2010 - Introduction
Overview
This is the memory verse which is intended to set the theme for this week:
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (I Cor. 10:31 ESV)
Observations
To better understand this one verse we need to look at the whole of chapter ten. To fully understand what Paul means in verse 23 by “all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful”, you should at least back up to chapters eight and nine. The word ‘so’ in the memory verse is a marker that tells you that what follows is built upon what has already been stated. You need to keep in mind what has already been presented before you can correctly understand what is now being introduced.
The first twenty-two verses of chapter ten deal with the dangers of various forms of idolatry with the admonition to flee from idolatry:
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. (I Cor. 10:13-14 ESV)
The next section, verses twenty-three through thirty-three which includes the memory verse begins with the phrase; ‘all things are lawful’. As Christians we should consider what will build up another person, verse 24. When invited to the home of an unbeliever, eat whatever is set before you. Remember, all things are lawful.
However there is something else to consider: If the person points out that something has been offered as a sacrifice to an idol, do not eat it. Do this for the sake of the other person’s conscience, not your own, verse 29.
For a fuller understanding let’s now include the verses that follow the memory verse:
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. (I Cor. 10:31-33 ESV)
Meat, along with anything else, offered to idols is not, in itself, a sin for a Christian to eat, even if it is an unclean meat. Remember, in this illustration, all things are lawful. However give no offense to anyone so that by your conduct, they may be saved.
Summary
- It would not be a sin to eat the food that someone else offered to the idol. That is an application of what is meant by ‘all things are lawful’. Rather, it is the conscience of the other person we are concerned with. It is all about being able to portray and support the gospel message of Jesus Christ through the conduct of our lives and that the person might be saved as a result.
- The principle being taught in this example goes much deeper than what we have the freedom to eat. The phrase ‘not all things are helpful’ is in reference to what motivates the conduct of our lives. The message of the world is all about self. When we place the concerns of others above our own interests the message of the gospel, the atoning work of Jesus Christ, becomes visible, real and believable.
- The one thing today’s memory verse is not about is a health message. As such, it is somewhat inappropriate for setting the theme this week.
Copyright 2010 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised May 17, 2010. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.
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Official Adventist Resources
Standard Edition Study Guide Week 12
Teacher's Edition Study Guide Week 12
Easy Reading Edition Study Guide Wk 12
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