LORD’S DAY, OCTOBER 28
1 Corinthians 10:32-33
Philippians 2:15

“Give none offence …”

GIVE NONE OFFENCE

1 Corinthians 10:32-33 flows naturally from 1 Corinthians 10:31. If we are to give glory to God in all things, then it is necessary to make sure we give none offence.

The expression “give none offence” comes from the Greek word aproskopoi which has the meaning of being “blameless.” A Christian must thus conduct himself blamelessly wherever he may be. He must not give anybody an opportunity to accuse the faith.

First, the Christian must give none offence in the church. We must be careful not to be stumbling blocks to fellow brethren. Alas, the Corinthian church itself was full of a partisan and carnal spirit (1 Cor 1-3). There was much backbiting and in-fighting. The careless and worldly living of the supposedly stronger Christians was discouraging to the weaker brethren. Are we a blessing to our churches, or are we a hindrance and a destroyer?

Second, the Christian must give no offence outside the church. Sadly, while some may be on their best behaviour in church, they may be very different outside. They are belligerent in their speech and actions, conducting themselves no different from the world. Instead of winning others to Christ, they cause them to shun the truth. How sad it is to hear accounts from unbelievers that they do not want to believe in Christ because of the shameful conduct of one of their Christian family members or relatives.

Dearly beloved, your testimony matters. Make sure you are using your Christian liberty to lead others to Christ, and not away from the truth of God’s Word.

THOUGHT: How is your conduct outside of church?
PRAYER: Father, help me not to stumble others.