32 “Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
10:32
Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God,
A person concerned about the glory of God does not put obstacles in the path of the spiritual growth of others. Paul argues that three groups (Jews, Gentiles, and the church of God) represent all the classifications of people not to offend. Paul’s point here is not to court popularity or curry favor with men, but to place oneself in a position that allows others to grow spirituality.
10:33
just as I also please all men in all things,
Paul personally did not allow artificial barriers to getting in the way of his relationships with others but made his life attractive so that others could follow his example (11:1). He put the welfare of others first.
not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Paul did not pursue his own ends but the profit of many so that they would be delivered from spiritual stumbling blocks.
11:1
Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
This verse belongs to chapter 10. Paul offers himself as an example of someone who puts others first. We are to follow Paul only to the degree that he followed Christ.
1 Co 4:16, Therefore I urge you, imitate me.
PRINCIPLE:
Mature believers willingly sacrifice for others.
APPLICATION:
If we claim to know God personally, then people will look at us closely. They will go over our lives with a magnifying glass looking for every flaw that they can find. We cannot live life in a sealed compartment. Everywhere we go, whether in a plane, on a trip, at home, or in recreation, people watch our lives. Are we willing to turn ourselves inside out to win people? Most of us would ask, “Who cares?” and not deviate from our personal schedules 10 minutes to influence others.
