1 Corinthians 8
August Memory Verse: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
Read: 1 Corinthians 8
Building Others Up
1 Corinthians 8 initially does not have much to offer modern readers, but when understood properly, possesses principles that are very applicable to us. The confusion when not understanding the context in which this chapter was written, something the ESV Study Bible helps us understand more fully:
Paul begins chapter 8 talking about the difference between “knowledge” and “love.” What he is saying is that those who are ok with eating meat offered to idols “know” that the idols that the meat was offered to aren’t real! They cling to the truth in verse 6:
They argue that because there’s only one God, the meat isn’t really defiled! But while they are not wrong in their thinking, they are wrong in the sense that they are elevating their knowledge above other people in the church. Paul clearly elevates love as the higher pursuit than “knowledge” or being right.
Verse 9 is the crux: “But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.”
What are things in your own life that are not inherently “wrong” or “sinful” but that you hold onto in ways that do not put others first? Most likely, these are things that are not clear in Scripture, and would therefore fall into the categories of either “convictions'' or “preferences”.
Ask yourself, what are things in your life that you are holding too strongly to that you are elevating above others?
By: Graham Withers
Read: 1 Corinthians 8
Building Others Up
1 Corinthians 8 initially does not have much to offer modern readers, but when understood properly, possesses principles that are very applicable to us. The confusion when not understanding the context in which this chapter was written, something the ESV Study Bible helps us understand more fully:
Because pagan temples offered parts of animals in sacrifice to the gods, they also often functioned as butcher shops and banqueting halls. Sometimes meals for trade guilds, clubs, and private dinner parties were held in a temple dining room. Often meat from a temple was sold to the public in the marketplace. This section of 1 Corinthians gives clear guidance about the use of such food. Paul first urges the Corinthians not to eat in pagan temples (8:10) because it might lead to the destruction of a weaker brother or sister (ch. 8). He then offers himself as an example of giving up something one is convinced is a right for the spiritual edification of others (ch. 9). He urges the Corinthians not to eat in pagan temples because doing so is idolatry (10:1–22). Finally, he says that eating meat purchased in the marketplace (which may have come from a pagan temple) is not wrong unless it hinders the advancement of the gospel (10:23–11:1).
Paul begins chapter 8 talking about the difference between “knowledge” and “love.” What he is saying is that those who are ok with eating meat offered to idols “know” that the idols that the meat was offered to aren’t real! They cling to the truth in verse 6:
There is one God, the Father,
by whom all things were created,
and for whom we live.
And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ,
through whom all things were created,
and through whom we live.
They argue that because there’s only one God, the meat isn’t really defiled! But while they are not wrong in their thinking, they are wrong in the sense that they are elevating their knowledge above other people in the church. Paul clearly elevates love as the higher pursuit than “knowledge” or being right.
Verse 9 is the crux: “But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.”
What are things in your own life that are not inherently “wrong” or “sinful” but that you hold onto in ways that do not put others first? Most likely, these are things that are not clear in Scripture, and would therefore fall into the categories of either “convictions'' or “preferences”.
Ask yourself, what are things in your life that you are holding too strongly to that you are elevating above others?
By: Graham Withers
1 Comment
lol! "No Comments"
Somewhere along the line I made a note in my Bible to replace every phrase in this passage that references "eating or meat" with "participate in such things." There are many things and activities we might participate in that would or could damage our witness. Paul is saying it's just not worth it.