Social Situations

“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.(I Corinthians6:12 Romans 14:19) Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. For “the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof." (Psalm 24:1) If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience.  But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience?  If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? I Corinthians 10:23-30 

Paul had established that believers in Jesus Christ are not under the law. There are no dietary restrictions for Christians to worry about. We cannot lose our salvation, and will not hinder our fellowship with Christ simply by eating certain foods. The righteousness of Christ has been permanently imputed to every believer. We are indwelt by God, the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Galatians 5:1 “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

The Church had been thoroughly cautioned against joining in the pagan feasts, because that involves worship of demons, and endangers the spirituality of the Christian. There should be no problem, however, with simply enjoying a meal in the home of a host who serves the sacrificial meat. That is not a religious ritual, but a private social setting. God provided all this food, to be eaten and appreciated for nourishment of the body. So, what’s the policy? Don’t ask! You’re at dinner with an unbeliever, and he serves a wonderful steak. In that environment it certainly came from the temple market. Sit down, enjoy the meal and don’t inquire about the source. BUT, if the host raises the issue (and we must be prepared for this. Unbelievers love to raise issues about what they think Christians are supposed to do) don’t eat it. Of course, you’re free to eat, but the unbeliever does not understand that. He has no Holy Spirit, and cannot comprehend the grace of God. We see it every day, from agnostics/atheists who know just enough about the scriptures to challenge our faith with regard to details of life. Defensiveness is not good witness. Just graciously decline. 

The unbeliever is entirely capable of “setting up” the Christian with just such a situation, and this could be the motive for having invited you. He serves the meat, or whatever, and as you’re digging in, he points out “oh, by the way, that steak came from the temple of Aphrodite. Best meats in town.” You are now on the spot. You know he believes you should not eat it. He is judging your liberty. Don’t give him the satisfaction. The meat is a false issue! Keep the issue clear: Jesus Christ and Him crucified. After the idolater understands that and believes, he can learn about the freedom of Christianity. Right now, he’s looking for any evidence of hypocrisy, even if he himself invented it. To openly indulge in practices for which the heathen will judge us gives Satan opportunity for slander. The gospel is not honored in that way. We know it isn’t sin, and Satan knows it, but the self-righteous heathen do not. They’re watching for that “ah-ha!” moment.

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 Corinthians 10:30-33

Our standard: in what way is Jesus Christ honored by this that I'm about to do? How does this activity proclaim the good news of His salvation? Will this clarify or obscure His perfect atonement? 

Our public behavior as Christians is under constant scrutiny. The worldlings are evil. Even the nice ones are evil, because they are entirely of the world, and their thinking is entirely human viewpoint. Our job in the world is to accurately represent the Lord Jesus Christ. He gave his whole life to provide salvation for every human who would believe. As His ambassadors, we are not here to initiate hostility or foster confusion. Our confidence is in the Lord. Our identification is His cross. If that offends, well, it offends; but let’s not let our personal behavior get in the way of our message. Our message is much too important. It is the doorway of eternal life for those to whom we speak.