Two Camps

1 Corinthians 10:23-33

Both the world and religion have guidelines of what is acceptable and there is always two camps, have you noticed that?  The deceiver’s work is made easier when he has us in conflict, and those on the right believe the ones on the left are the problem, and the ones on the left are convinced the ones on the right are the problem.  This allows fear of the other to drive them to hate, and hate never allows reasoning or looking to the good of the other, for it has already established its own value system, based on its understanding of knowledge.  Many in the church have been lured into this false and foolish battle, and have not listened to the counsel of the Holy Spirit that was given to the apostle Paul.

As we investigate 1 Corinthians 10:23-33, will you be willing to look into the mirror and ask the Father this question; am I seeking Truth, or am I blind to the truth of my own understanding of truth?  For it is clear Jesus is Truth, for it is written in John 14:6 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  Those are not my words, Jesus is speaking, and it matters not the camp or the title you have established, God the Father has put all of His eggs in one basket, the finished work of Christ.

Now following Truth or Jesus will not be easy street as some wrongly teach and by doing so put obstacles in the path of many who enter into a relationship with Jesus.  In fact, I must confess relationships take work, and time, and produce love for the object of the relationship.  So we have this good word from Jesus; “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”

This is what the Spirit of Truth spoke to the apostle Paul and was recorded for you and me.  “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.”  In no way am I telling you what to do with your title, but is being on the right or the left, building you up, are you seeking your own good, or is your goal to love your neighbor?  Now this meat from the temple of pagans is very different in our culture, for some, it might be what you eat or drink, and for others it might be what one does in their free time, but it is still the same issue, if it causes my brother to stumble refrain from doing it.

The Spirit of Truth gives us this counsel; “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.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice