Issues of Conscience
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The Bible describes with clarity many responsibilities of believers in the contexts of government and society. Still in some areas believers are not given specific instructions, and instead must rely on applying general biblical principles to contemporary challenges. For example, Paul mandates without compromise that the Roman believers should pay the taxes required of them (Rom. 13:7), but when it comes to eating meat sacrificed to idols, Paul gives the Corinthians options (1 Cor. 8-10).
Pagan temples in first-century Corinth often included animal sacrifice. Even beyond the temples themselves, the marketplace was well represented with meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Consequently, the issue of whether a believer should eat such meat became an iconic cultural problem for the Corinthian church. Each era and context presents its own unique challenges. Every culture encounters, From time to time, moral issues so complex as to defy simple solutions. Still, in each and every instance, despite any level of complexity, these challenges can be answered appropriately by biblical principles. But before one can correctly apply a general principle to a specific situation, the person must understand the principle. Paul’s instruction to the Corinthians is helpful, as he explains the principles and their grounding so that the believers at Corinth could apply them well, and in so doing could maintain clear consciences.
Paul recognizes that even though the meat issue was a cultural hot potato, essentially it really wasn’t a significant issue at all. Because there is no God but one (1 Cor. 8:4), and because through Christ all things have their existence (1 Cor. 8:6), Paul and the Corinthians could have certain knowledge that at its core, the sacrificed meat issue was no issue at all. Food would not commend them to God (1 Cor. 8:8). Nonetheless, Paul warns against pride, contrasting it with edification (1 Cor. 8:1). The moral issue in play was not about an essential wrongness of eating sacrificed meat. There simply was no essential wrongness. Rather, the issue to which the Corinthian believers needed to be attentive was that of edifying or building up brothers in Christ (1 Cor. 8:1, 9-13). Paul provides and illustrates in 1 Corinthians 10:23-32 several principles to that end.
First, “All things are lawful (or possible), but not all things are profitable” (1 Cor. 10:23). All things that are not restricted are permitted. Where there is no regulation given in Scripture, there is freedom for the believer. This is one reason Paul wants the Corinthians to “learn not to exceed what is written” (1 Cor. 4:6). To place a heavier yoke on people than the Bible places on people results in pride—which is a tremendously destructive form of idolatry. Not only does pride tear down rather than build up, but ultimately, it is in conflict with God’s doxological purpose (His purpose of glorifying Himself—or expressing His own character).
Second, “All things are lawful (or possible), but not all things edify” (1 Cor. 10:23). The Greek term (sumphero) translated here as profitable means to bring together, and the term translated edify (oikodomeo) means to house-build, or build up. The second term explains the scope of the first. In other words, what is profitable or bringing together is that which house-builds or builds up. In this context, what is profitable for believers is that which builds up.
Third, “Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor” (1 Cor. 10:24). The word good is not in the Greek text, rather it has been added by the translators to help clarify the meaning of the passage. I think the passage is better translated without the word (“Let no one seek his own, but that of his neighbor”), because it causes the reader to ask, ‘Let no one seek his own what?’ Rather than assuming the good without realizing its specific definition in this context, the reader should be drawn to the word edify. This is not referencing general good, as in saying we may not pursue good for ourselves, rather it is referencing specific good in terms of building up. Paul speaks in universal terms of all believers (“Let no one…”), and mandates that we should seek the building up of our neighbor. As Paul references the concept of building up elsewhere (e.g., 2 Cor. 10:8, 13:10; Eph. 4:12, 16), it is evident he is speaking in terms of spiritual growth.
We should be attentive to the spiritual needs of others, basing our decisions, where we have freedom, not on our own growth but on the growth of others. Paul restates this in 1 Corinthains 10:33, noting that he seeks not his own profit (sumphoron), but the profit of many. There are obviously many specific biblical directions regarding how we are to attend to our own spiritual growth, so we are certainly not to ignore our own spiritual growth and building up. But in cases where we have options, we should look for the benefit of others.
Next, Paul illustrates in 1 Corinthians 10:25-30 the above three principles in action, applying them to the specific situation at hand. Eat and don’t ask questions—it doesn’t matter if the meat is sacrificed or not. The earth is the Lord’s and all it contains (10:26)—all things belong to Him, even if an item has been misappropriated by one to whom it had been given. Further, even when interacting with unbelievers, there is still no issue. Only when it is made an issue by someone perceiving that there is an issue (10:28), the believer should act in consideration of that person. In other words, the believer—seeking the good of the other, rather than the good of his own—should be sensitive and attentive to the (spiritual, in this context) needs of others.
Finally, Paul announces the highest order principle: “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:32). His words here accomplish two important purposes. First, by adding the phrase “or whatever you do,” he shows that the principles he is discussing are relevant for every area of life and not just for the occasion at hand. Believers are not at liberty to compartmentalize areas of our lives—employing one set of principles for our spiritual endeavors and a whole different set for our societal and political ones. Paul shows us here that all of our actions are to be governed by the same principles. Secondly—and most importantly—he reminds the reader of the ultimate purpose for every action in the believer’s life: God’s glory. The glory of God is God’s purpose, and it is to be ours as well. If our thoughts, words and deeds do not pass the doxological test, then they need to be changed.
We should seek not what is permissible, but what is profitable. What is profitable is that which builds up. That which builds up others rather than ourselves, on issues of conscience, is the focus of these principles. These principles are applicable not just to what we eat, but to every area of life. In every area of life our divinely mandated goal is to glorify God.
Where the Bible offers no specific direction, it still answers every situation we can possibly encounter, bidding us to apply these principles comprehensively and faithfully. If we are diligent to that end, we will not lack for confidence or be burdened with uncertainty in discerning whether or not our actions are appropriate for the occasion.
Christopher Cone Bio
Christopher Cone (ThD, PhD) is the President of Tyndale Theological Seminary and Biblical Institute, pastor of Tyndale Bible Church and author and editor of several books.
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Thank you for this article. It is a good reminder to seek God’s glory over our own.
I would love to see these principles applied to issues that face us in these current times.
Perhaps, since we just left Christmas, the issue of Santa Claus. Some believe he is from Satan; others believe he’s not. If we follow this quote:
Only when it is made an issue by someone perceiving that there is an issue (10:28), the believer should act in consideration of that person. In other words, the believer—seeking the good of the other, rather than the good of his own—should be sensitive and attentive to the (spiritual, in this context) needs of others.
no Christian anywhere should participate in any way with Santa because nearly every group of believers — in person or in our social networks — has someone who believes Santa does not edify.
I’m not trying to argue Santa/no Santa. I’m trying to understand how these principles that we hear over and over (seek to glorify God, seek others’ spiritual growth over your own, etc.) play out in ANY situation that is significant to Christians today. I’d love to hear others’ thoughts.
:)
Somewhere out in Fundydom there are Christians who are:
- Against beards (I have one)
- Against women wearing slacks (pants) …my wife wears them
- Going to movies (I attend about once a year but watch a movie on TV / DVD / Streaming about once a week
So if there is a Christian out there who is offended … I am to echew these? At what point do we say … you’re different from me … get over it!?
As an aside … probably all are aware of the very cute video - What does the Fox say? My daugther who attends graduate school in Boston (MIT) told me over Christmas that the Harvard medical students did one like it called What does the Spleen do? A friend from way back who is in her 80’s saw my FB posting and was bothered by it. I would say she was offended (by her comments to me)
~Reasons Drinking is Wrong
1. Scripture directly speaks against alcohol.
Proverbs 23:29-35 describes alcoholic wine, and says not to even look at it.
Proverbs 20:1 directly calls alcohol a mocker and brawler.
1 Peter 5:8: 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8; 2 Timothy 4:5 command us to be sober.
2. The Bible says those deceived by wine are not wise (Proverbs 20:1).
We are commanded to be wise (Ephesians 5:15; etc.).
3. The Bible teaches us to guard our influence and not to lead others astray.
4. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20). Alcohol weakens and destroys that body.
5. The Bible says you are to love God with all your mind (Matthew 22:37). Our minds are altered and damaged by alcohol.
6. The law of love teaches us not to drink (Romans 14:19, 21; 1 Corinthians 8:9). Don’t be a stumbling block to others.
7. Scripture proclaims us kings and priests (1 Peter 2:5-9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10). Kings are not to drink lest they pervert justice (Proverbs 31:4-5).
8. Priests were commanded not to drink during their duties so that they could distinguish between what is holy and unholy (Leviticus 10:8-10).
A Christian today is a priest (1 Peter 2:5-9).
9. God commended the Rechabites for not drinking wine (Jeremiah 35).
10. Don’t abuse your Christian liberty (1 Corinthians 8:9; 10:23).
11. The Bible often gives the appalling results of alcohol. Scripture clearly relates the terrible consequences of Noah, Lot, and others getting drunk.
12. Is it biblical for a believer to support the alcohol industry that has wrecked so many homes and lives?
13. Drinking is expensive. By not drinking you can save a lot of money that you can use for more noble purposes.
14. Biblical wisdom and truth would compel us to recognize the incredible damage alcohol does to society.
15. About one out of nine drinkers becomes a problem drinker. Dangerous odds.
16. From the overall teaching of the Bible, do you really believe God condones the recreational use of a mind altering, dangerous drug?
17. Countless lives have been saved from ruin by teaching abstinence from alcohol. Not drinking is safe, and it is wise.
18. The Bible teaches self denial, not selfish gratification (Matthew 16:24).
The biblical words for wine were generic, referring to both alcoholic and nonalcoholic wine; you distinguish them by their context. And, ancient people could easily preserve nonalcoholic wine and had it available throughout the year.
David R. Brumbelow
I find your arguements only partially valid:
- Re drunkenness …. agreed (see my chart above). Re use of Proverbs … I think you miss the point of the Proverbs genre and make it universally applicable.
- Agreed but I don’t view moderate drinking as being deceived or unwise
- Agreed but how is one leading another astray if he drinks in moderation? Or enjoys in private
- Agreed on temple but disagree that drinking in moderation destroys the body
- Agree on 1st point but disagreed that drinking in moderation “Our minds are altered and damaged by alcohol”
- Basically half agree with you on this. My point is that if one eschews drinking in presense of those who would stumble … it is not a stumbling block. Take yourself - I doubt if someone had a drink in your presense that it would entice you to drink. (Consider how many teetotalers will eat at a restaurant (say and Applebees) where someone at the next table is having a beer!)
- A stretch on application of kings and priests in my view
- Ditto
- Agreed that they were commended … but a stretch in application
- Yup agreed. But see comments above about not causing others to stumble. I’ve been at relatives homes (even this holiday season) where many others are drinking. I did not stumble by viewing their drinking
- Agreed on results of alcohol abuse
- Disagreed that the industry causes alcohol abuse. As an aside many in England considered the development of Guiness to be a good thing for the culture. See The Search for God and Guinness: A Biography of the Beer that Changed the World
- Many things are expensive: steak, Iphones, nice cars.
- Agree … see point 11
- 8 of 9 do not. Those who drink in moderation are a relative good testimony to those who do not
- Point of disagreement: I don’t view drinking in moderation as a “ a mind altering, dangerous drug”
- I view the teaching of total abstinence as adding to the gospel message. People are saved by wearing seat belts too but we haven’t glommed that onto the message of the church (I don’t think I’ve heard one message about that!)
- I don’t view drinking in moderation as “selfish gratification” any more than I view having a bowl of Häagen-Dazs (I am anticipating a response that Peet says drinking is no more dangerous than a bowl of ice cream … but that is not my point! (in context))
My conclusions:
- Drinking in moderation issue is at best a conviction and is tertiary (see chart below)
- I don’t advocate that Christians drink
- I think in most cases it is best for people not to drink
- But I don’t press my opinion upon others
[Jim] So if there is a Christian out there who is offended … I am to echew these? At what point do we say … you’re different from me … get over it!?
The word in 1 Cor 8.13 is a verb meaning
properly, to put a stumbling-block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall; to be a stumbling-block; in the N. T. always metaphorically, (R. V. to cause or make to stumble; A. V. to offend (cause to offend)); a. to entice to sin … [Thayer]
The NAU translates: Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.
The idea is doing something that emboldens another to sin (including to sin against his own conscience), not merely to get his feelings hurt or his convictions transgressed.
I think the original article largely misses the point of 1 Cor 8-10, but I don’t have time to really deal with it. Briefly, Paul is prohibiting what he describes in 1 Cor 8, eating meat in the idol’s temple. He does this for three reasons: the weakness of the brother (ch 8), the worth of the gospel (ch 9), and the wickedness of the heart (ch 10). When you get to the conclusion of the argument, he absolutely prohibits the activity: 1 Cor 10.14-22. He wants them to flee from idolatry.
Then he makes two concessions: eating meat purchased in the marketplace is permissable, just don’t ask, don’t tell. And eating at an unbelievers home is permissable, unless the unbeliever brings up the fact that it is idol meat, then don’t. The over-riding principle is flee from idolatry.
There are some specific parallels in our culture (eating at some Chinese restaurants for example, if they have a little Buddha set out front with food offerings in front of it). But there are no doubt more serious applications that we should consider. I don’t really see alcohol as one of them, even though my adamant opposition to alcohol is well known. I don’t use this passage as my main argument against it, although the principles of causing a brother to stumble and testimony (ch 10), certainly are applicable.
FWIW
Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3
[Jim] As an aside many in England considered the development of Guiness to be a good thing for the culture. See The Search for God and Guinness: A Biography of the Beer that Changed the World
Why is the Kindle edition more expensive than the paperback!
CanJAmerican - my blog
CanJAmerican - my twitter
whitejumaycan - my youtube
On the drinking issue and others, I wonder if Paul would come in and say “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. Game, set and match.” To most of us that’s a surprising verse that we wouldn’t have thrown into the meat offered to idols debate, but Paul did. What else is out there that we just simply miss because of our own cultural blinders?
But then he goes beyond the easily winnable argument (which I think the alcohol debate is on the allowing consumption side) and tells us what to do if others don’t get it… yet. I have a feeling that Paul wouldn’t want the weaker brother to remain in weakness. He wants him to grow up into Christ and be taught the full range of scripture. The role of the weaker brother should be a temporary one, but I’m afraid we’ve structured our churches and Christian culture to allow for permanent weaker brothers with no view to helping them grow out of weakness into strength. I could be wrong on the alcohol issue being easy, clearly reading the comments in this site for a few years, it’s not obvious to many. But on a host of other issues, what are the rest of you thinking in terms of a permanent weaker brother? At some point you have to say “grow up” and to not grow up is sin if it’s a clear issue.
~Anyone here rejoicing because Christians can now legally enjoy marijuana, another mind altering recreational drug, in Colorado?
After all, if the drug alcohol can be biblically enjoyed, why not other drugs like marijuana?
Wonder what kind of testimony a Christian smoking marijuana presents?
Yes, God made marijuana; He also made poison mushrooms. Perhaps we should use the wisdom and Scriptural principles God gave us.
The wise thing to do is stay away from both alcohol and marijuana.
It is interesting that some who have never tried marijuana before, will now try it, simply because it’s legal.
We should always remember just because something is legal, does not mean it is moral.
David R. Brumbelow
[David R. Brumbelow]…
Yes, God made marijuana; He also made poison mushrooms. …
Yes, God made them, but He did not make them toxic. The incursion of sin into the world is responsible for that, as it is for all that causes death and misery (Gen. 3). And, yes, that would include the toxin we call beverage alcohol.
I understand that toxins have their uses in a sin-cursed world. If penicillin wasn’t toxic to bacteria the susceptibility of humans to various sicknesses would be exponentially greater. But the fact that there is a toxic effect and that bacteria is actually killed, regardless of how useful, should only remind us of a sinful world bathed by the grace of God. “…Death [is] by sin….”
Lee
Lee,
I don’t think you can argue toxicity is a result of the fall. If creation ended after the 7th day (practically speaking the 6th day) then something new was not created after the fall. Fermentation is a natural process, and toxins are a natural biological ingredient of many parts of creation. If you are going to argue the mushroom wasn’t toxic until after the fall, are you likewise going to argue the snake wasn’t venomous until after the fall? You stretch the application of death beyond its biblical intention.
Why is it that my voice always seems to be loudest when I am saying the dumbest things?
[David R. Brumbelow]~Anyone here rejoicing because Christians can now legally enjoy marijuana, another mind altering recreational drug, in Colorado?
After all, if the drug alcohol can be biblically enjoyed, why not other drugs like marijuana?
Wonder what kind of testimony a Christian smoking marijuana presents?Yes, God made marijuana; He also made poison mushrooms. Perhaps we should use the wisdom and Scriptural principles God gave us.
The wise thing to do is stay away from both alcohol and marijuana.
It is interesting that some who have never tried marijuana before, will now try it, simply because it’s legal.
We should always remember just because something is legal, does not mean it is moral.
David R. Brumbelow
I agree we are going to have to more carefully explain and plan on dealing with a lot more Christian pot usage, but I don’t think wine etc. is quite the same discussion. I don’t drink, but on a few occasions in my life I’ve had wine with dinner (once when a couple invited me to dinner so I could share the Gospel with them. It was natural for them to have wine with dinner and I didn’t want to cause unnecessary offense. I partook). I didn’t notice any effect whatsoever. There is no “high” from moderate use of alchohol. Whatever people like about it, it’s not a buzz. Pot has only the purpose of getting high, so it is a “deed of the flesh” (Gal 5:20). Moderate drinkers know they are not trying to get high, so it loses credibility when we tell them they are. Whatever case we want to make, we should be careful not to misrepresent things.
[Chip Van Emmerik]Lee,
I don’t think you can argue toxicity is a result of the fall. If creation ended after the 7th day (practically speaking the 6th day) then something new was not created after the fall. Fermentation is a natural process, and toxins are a natural biological ingredient of many parts of creation. If you are going to argue the mushroom wasn’t toxic until after the fall, are you likewise going to argue the snake wasn’t venomous until after the fall? You stretch the application of death beyond its biblical intention.
“Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee…[Gen. 3:18].” Is this not indicative that something that was unknown before the fall is now a part of everyday life? If not a new creation then most certainly an adaptation so radical as to be a de facto new creation? It is very reasonable to presume that toxicity was unknown prior to the fall, as was decay as we recognize it today. Furthermore, there is absolutely no reason to try to find toxicity as part of a “good” creation in the deathlessness of the time preceding the fall. I cannot comprehend life without any form of death. But I have all confidence that Scripture indicates that physical death at every level as we understand it was not a part of creation, and will not exist in the new creation, and that what Scripture said was/is so.
Lee
Wayne,
Since one can drink of the fruit of the vine without alcohol today, there is no reason for the drinking of alcohol other than a legitimate medical need that may occur. Alcohol has historically been used as both an anasthetic and antispetic, though there are better, more effective medicines for those purposes today. Those who justify the recreational use of alcohol are going to have a difficult time refuting the recreational use of moderate amounts of marijuana. Brumbelow is right on target. I don’t know if a few puffs on a joint would alter my state of mind, but out of principle I would not do so unless it was medically necessary. Personally, I don’t think smoking joints would help me medically either. More than likely, there are other drugs that could do a better job combatting nausea or vertigo and thereby avoid the stigma smoking joints. Alcohol as a beverage is not necessary today, not edifying, not unifying, and potentially very addictive and enslaving. Most people drink alcohol because it does give them a buzz to varying degrees. Ted Williams, the famous hitter for the Red Sox, said he would not drink anything stronger than a milkshake, because he didn’t want alcohol to impair his judgment in hitting a 95 mph fastball. Our motivation to be fully sober is much higher than hitting a fastball. If out of principle you want to tell your children and congregation not to use mind altering drugs for recreational purposes, then it is best not to drink alcohol at all for those purposes.
Pastor Mike Harding
Mike Harding:Most people drink alcohol because it does give them a buzz to varying degrees.
You seem to possess an uncanny perception of others’ motives for having a glass of wine with pasta or a beer with pizza.
Discussion