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Bible Notes - Tabernacle Commentaries
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1 Corinthians 10:24
Comments
This is such a principle of the Christian life. The word ‘wealth’ is in italics because it is not there in the original, but it is implied. However the word ‘wealth’ has changed its meaning since the time of the KJV. In those days, its fundamental meaning was ‘welfare’, coming from the English ‘well’ or ‘weil’ – let every man put the welfare, the well-being of others first.All these things need to be considered from the point of view of others also. It is not just I myself for whom things should be expedient, or should edify, but others also. I must consider the effect of what I do on other people, and this is chiefly what Paul has in mind in the present context. Am I setting a bad example? Am I doing something that will have a harmful effect on them is they imitate me? It may not harm me, but I may harm them to try to follow me. If an adult climbs up a dangerous place in the sight of a child, the child may be tempted to follow, but may not have skill to do it safely. The word ‘seek’ is intensive in Greek; it is active seeking. Let not any actively pursue his own welfare but always the welfare of others. It is a mark of grace to forget number one, to be more outgoing and concerned for others. Certainly we see this at the start of the Christian life. Sadly some lose this later on. Concern for others is a mark of sanctification, inside and outside the fellowship. Of course we have some concern for our own affairs, but we are wary of the ‘me, me’ characteristic of today’s culture. In life experience marriage. That is not for us this is out of line with today’s culture which talks of self-esteem.
Application
One of the sins of youth is preoccupation with self. The young person growing up discovers self-consciousness, emotions, and other emerging powers. The converted put this aside. That is a mark of grace because it is so contrary to human nature. Culture today is for people to be self-indulgent all the time. One acquisition follows another the next does not last long. When you saved young or old, the standard of Christ crashes against that. We must learn self-denial, and a conscious development of interest in, and prayer for others.
In married life is that how you live? How have I lived in the last week? What have I said? Have I been a peacemaker, a witness? Do I reflect Christ? Have I longed to improve?
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