Diverse Community
Part of Embodied Spirituality—A Study of First Corinthians
August 27, 2023

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1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 (New International Version)

23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

25 Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, 26 for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

27 If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. 29 I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? 30 If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?

31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

I. The greatest good (vv. 23-24)
• God hates loneliness and his solution is

in a local church.
• Fellowship is community that is and for heaven.
• Personal and as priority prevent the greatest good.
• The greatest good is fellowship in .
• Christian fellowship has two prescriptions: big church for and small church for (Acts 1:8, 2:46-47, Rev. 7:9)
• Household evangelism and discipleship is the most effective .
II. Community over conscience (vv. 25-26)
• Loneliness results from worshiping and .
• Unity opinions of conscience for the sake of fellowship.
connects us with the goodness of God in the world.
• Fasting disconnects us from the world by correcting us for
or life.
• Communication is the of relationship and prayer is talking with God.
• Fasting answers to prayer.
III. A prescription for the loneliness around us (vv. 27-11:1)
• Christian fellowship seeks community with people.
• Avoidance for our conscience is not how Christians Jesus.
• Christians should focus on the unbeliever’s not our own.
• Fellowship provides in diversity of belief and behavior.
is the ability to share our worst and weakest self but still belong.
is bringing our best to the community for its benefit.