1 Corinthians 10:32-33 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
The admonition of the apostle is to live in such a way as to not offend people. He then divides all of humanity into three groups. These three groups are the Jews, the Gentiles and the church of God. No matter who you live among, try not to be offensive to them. Seek to live in a way that pleases men rather than being offensive. The key to doing this is to not seek your own profit, but to seek the profit of many. This profit that the apostle is talking about is their salvation.
This is the apostle’s way of life wherever he was. He wanted to live a winsome life in all wisdom. He did not want to be a person who was offensive in his manner of life. He was willing to give up personal privileges and wants in order to live in a way that did not drive people away from him but drew people to him. The Bible says:
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Do you live in a way as to win souls? Do you live to please others so you can witness to them? Are you willing to give up rights so others might hear the gospel of Christ?
1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
Paul wanted Jews to trust Christ and be saved. Paul wanted Gentiles to trust Christ and be saved. He wanted them both to be one new man in the Church of God.
Ephesians 2:13-15 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.
We should all live our lives this way as followers of Christ. We need to be winsome and wise in winning souls to Christ!
In Christ,
Rody
