do people sometimes abuse 1 Corinthians 10:31 to condemn others?

I've run into people bringing this up when discussing hobbies and activities that to my mind don't violate anything in scriptures, and they can't cite any other verses, (I once had someone used this to argue watching the original Star Wars was sinful). I know we shouldn't put a stumbling block for others(kind of dependent on being aware of someone's potential weakness), and pursuing things that don't profit(presumably meaning don't let it it become an idol, or let it consume too much of your time). Then there's the obvious point about not violating your own conscious.

My point is, isn't this largely a personal standard? How should one handle an accusatory situation?

1Co 12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

This verse always seemed a bit odd to me when the subject Paul was discussing was spiritual matters. Then after reading through 1 Corinthians, I realized that the leadership in Corinth had written to Paul in regard to several subjects, one of which was obviously spiritual matters (pneumatikos) from how 12:1 starts out “now concerning” but there were other subjects Paul was addressing

The Corinthian church had issues with several things. Although we may not know all of the things going on we can get a pretty good idea from what is written in this reproof epistle of Corinthians …. especially when it begins with “Now concerning” or “as touching” …. as it does in 1Co 7:1, 1Co 7:25, 1Co 8:1, 1Co 8:4, 1Co 12:1, & 1Co 16:1 {same Greek word peri translated “concerning” and “touching”}


In 1Co 8:1-11 It discusses food offered to idols as well as in 1Co 10:28 which is the context of what your verse 31 is referring to

What does the HOLY SPIRIT want you to do??? If you don't know, then Smile, and walk away.

I could quote dozens of verses concerning these kinds of things but As Bob said above it’s a Walk with Holy Spirit with the heart of a servant leader rather than selfish interests. You need to trust the Spirit of God will reveal the truth to your conscience as to weather there is truth to that accusation. It takes some practice to do this well because after asking God in prayer about the situation it requires you to be equally open to a Yes or No from Holy Spirit which means surrendering your life or your specific situation a or your bias on the issue to the will of God.



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When it comes to hobbies/activities, I think any skill we have or excel in is a gift from God, such as sports, music, public speaking/story telling, painting, sewing, etc. So, for skill-based hobbies I believe it is fine to devote a lot of time to this, even our entire lives if God calls for/allows this.

If a hobby is lounging and watching TV or something similar, that could be a problem as this activity is not glorifying God. However, we are allowed leisure time. If a person is interested in Comic-Con, video games, etc. I believe that is allowed under leisure time.

Now, on what leisure activity is considered sinful or not glorifying God, there is discrepancy in the conscience levels/personal standards among Christians. Some Christians want to be built up all the time, such as through prayer, Christian movies, Christian songs, and when they don't get this they feel a bit empty. They want to be in the presence of God 100 percent of the time (in that manner), such that any other activity is a waste of time. Other Christians I feel have less of this need/desire to be built up, for whatever reason, where lesser time with God is enough to keep them charged. However there is the risk on the extreme end of not spending time with God at all. So, I think it comes down to that, some want/need to be built up all the time while others don't. I haven't watched Star Wars for awhile so I don't remember if there is anything in particular that is sinful, but maybe it is along the same logic as reading Harry Potter. If God is telling you not to read to Harry Potter, that is for good reason maybe He thinks you will be easily sway and tempted by witchcraft. However, God may not be giving someone else the same message, especially to someone who already thinks witchcraft is foolish. For example, God told the rich man to give up everything he had but He did not request this of everyone. God's message especially on these gray area matters may be individualized.

I once went to church with a couple who believed everything was demonic and even saw real demons which they cast out. I believe they did see the demons. However, I also knew another very evangelical couple (the type knocking on car windows) who went to non-Christian weddings and ate temple food. It is hard to know why some are more affected by a negative spiritual presence while others not as much.

1 Corinthians 10:31 "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

We are not to love the "things of the world". Most Christians would know the difference between what is worldly and what is spiritual. As to accusations, there is no point in trying to defend oneself against false accusations. They should be ignored.

I don't believe it's a personal standard. We all have things we partake in that don't glorify the Lord; but we should seek His help to grow and mature spiritually so as not to get led astray by them. It's easy to rationalize and justify so we can keep one foot in the world and one in Christ. It should be the goal of every believer to glorify God in everything we do.

The sin of phariseeism is the abuse of scripture and the adding to scripture in order to control people. Those people that you were referring to are engaging in phariseeism. So whenever you run across this you should just tell them that they are being Pharisees

1 Corinthians 10:31

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

The context of what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31 began at least as far back as here:

1 Corinthians 8:1

"Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth."

In other words, if you are doing something that, to your knowledge, is neither sinful nor unscriptural, but it may cause someone without the same knowledge to stumble, then you ought not to do it in their presence. Basically, we are to esteem others higher than ourselves or to consider how our actions may negatively affect them.

As far as the accusations are concerned, if there is no evidence that what you did potentially caused somebody else to stumble, then either just ignore them or reprove your accusers. However, if there is evidence that what you did potentially caused somebody else to stumble, then you should go and apologize to that person and refrain from engaging in that type of activity in their presence in the future.

1 Timothy 4:4-5 plus 1 Corinthians 10:31b

This.

It's absolutely a personal standard that is formed by Our Father for each saint according to their maturity. That is why it is impossible to perceive the New Testament as another set of rules like the OT.

"All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16Only let us live up to what we have already attained."

We treat our own children this way: teaching them certain things only when they are ready to receive it. Now, if the child goes back to eating with their fingers when they know how to use utensils a loving parent will correct them. Same with God.

And do not think our conscience will be clear if we choose a different path than what God has already shown us. Once it is revealed to us, by the Spirit, to walk a certain way or to do a certain thing, then doing the opposite will bring conviction. Godly sorrow, if given its way, will produce repentance.

This, though. This is obviously the work of sorcery.

Am I a savage for always eating pizza with hands? I eat it really neat. Never make a mess! I manage to always protect my beard whilst eating as well

Best to ignore such silliness. Now whether I am calling Star Wars silly, or someone claiming it is sinful to watch it, I leave up to you .

It is best to let the Lord teach what is suitable or not in these kind of matters.

.... I am surprised at some things Christians watch.

... fetch me a switch