Epiphany Season · Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year B
1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1
The Believer’s Freedom
February 14, 2027
Overview & Insights
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
After a rather direct warning to the “strong” Christians in Corinth against self-assuredness and the pursuit of personal rights at the expense of the “weak,” Paul now returns to his earlier differentiating argument about the relationship between idol meat and faith. The issue is a theological one. It is not that idol meat has evil powers but that its celebration evokes the jealousy of God and blurs the testimony of exclusive devotion to Christ. Covenantal loyalty is at stake! This section functions as a clarifying conclusion to the preceding and enables a smooth transition into another rights-versus-testimony issue Paul will discuss in the following section: worship and head coverings. Interpretive Insights 10:14–15 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. The inferential “therefore” coupled with Paul’s endearing relational reminder “my dear friends” gives the opening command to flee idolatry a passionate, pastoral tone.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
1 Corinthians 10 - Lessons from Israel's Failures Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's commentary on doing all to the glory of God and imitating Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:31 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated commentary notes on the 'to the glory of God' climax of the chapter.
1 Corinthians 10 Commentary Precept Austin
Verse-by-verse notes, word studies, and quotations on Christian liberty and God's glory.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 10 StudyLight
Albert Barnes' classic exposition of Paul's counsel to seek the good of others for God's glory.
The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre connects Paul's 'imitate me as I imitate Christ' to the Sunday's call to holiness.
Background & Word Study
1 Corinthians (Enter the Bible) Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's introduction to the letter, its Corinthian setting, and pastoral concerns.
Book of 1 Corinthians Overview BibleProject
An animated overview of the letter's argument about unity and living for others.
1 Corinthians 10:31 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Word-by-word Greek with parsing for the phrase 'do all to the glory of God.'
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the believer's freedom for?
Christian liberty is not for self but for God's glory and the neighbor's good; Paul makes his own imitation of Christ the pattern: give no offense, seek the many's salvation.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on Mark 1:40-45
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.