As Paul finished his thoughts on "idol meat", he returns to the argument form he used in chapter 6, stating a common argument(in this case, "All things are lawful") and then providing a counter statement(not all things are profitable). Paul is acknowledging the personal freedom we have as Christians, while also holding us accountable to our responsibility to think of others.
For example: Because of God's grace, there is nothing that should prevent a Christian from listening to raging, screaming, death metal, provided the lyrics are not influencing the listener negatively. However, if this death metal fan has a guest in their home who becomes uncomfortable around this style of music, it may be wise to take a break from that particular music style while the guest is in listening range.
Paul holds up the values of being profitable and edifying. The word here for profitable is the Greek word "sumphero" and means "bring together for the benefit of another". The Greek word for edify is "oikodomeo" and originally referred to building a house. (v. 23) Paul is certainly not invalidating our freedom, but he considers being united and building each other up more important than excercising our personal freedoms granted by God, when the two come into conflict. Our first thought should be "what can I do now that will be good for the person I'm with?" (v.24)
Paul advises his readers to buy meat without asking if it was used in a religious ceremony. Regarding this specific situation, he almost seems to say "what you don't know won't hurt you". (Though we should be clear that Paul is not advocating this as a broad philosophy of life.)
The real issue here is conscience.(v. 25) No object is made evil in and of itself by being used for evil purposes. Paul quotes Psalm 24:1 when he says that "the earth is the Lord's and all it contains". Everything is still God's, no matter how we use it. We can also reflect on what Paul says in Romans 14:14. "I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean."
If God has not directed in the Bible to avoid something, we're free to enjoy it! But if that activity leads us into sin, or distorts the truth in our minds or the minds of others, we should stay away from it.
In the scenario Paul describes in verses 27-28, everything is fine until religious significance is brought to the activity. We can enjoy traditions and activities from other national cultures(Native American, East Indian, etc.) or popular sub-cultures (Goth music, Role-playing Games, etc.) without sin, until genuine pagan religious significance or other overt sin is brought into the activity. At that point, we are in danger either of sinning ourselves, or indicating that biblical Christianity is compatible with sin or conflicting religious beliefs. (v.29)
Verse 30 hammers home the issue of conscience and expresses an idea similar to Romans 14:16. "Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil;" In the "grey areas" not specifically covered by scripture, our conscience, the Holy Spirit and the "fruit" of our lives serve as guide, not the consciences of others. Even more, we should be ready to discuss why we believe something to be good that someone else considers a sin.
In verses 31-33, Paul tells us to do everything with a mindset that aims to honor God. He also tells us to avoid "offense". In the Greek, this phrase would more accurately be instructing us to avoid making others "stumble". We want to avoid activity that will "turn people off" to the truth. We should have a willingness to be flexible in our habits around others so that we can earn a voice in their lives that will encourage them, unite us to them, and bring them closer to God and the truth he has revealed about himself.
Next Week- The Bible says WHAT? (this should be interesting...)
Coffee House Question
What do you think are some modern parallels to "meat sacrificed to idols"?
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