Reading: I Corinthians 5-9
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of Him(I Cor. 8:1-3).
When Paul composed his letter to the Corinthian church, Christianity was still very much in the minority in Corinth. Idol worship involving animal sacrifice was commonplace, and much of the excess meat from those sacrifices was sold for profit in shops adjoining the pagan temples. The Corinthian church was divided over the question of whether or not it was permissible for Christians to purchase and consume meat that had previously been part of an idol sacrifice. Some held the viewpoint that partaking of the meat meant that the consumer was actively worshiping the idol. Others believed that the meat was a provision from God, as was all meat, and that by avoiding it, Christians were unwittingly validating idol worship by claiming an imaginary idol could somehow make something ‘unclean.’
Paul’s answer was two-pronged. He affirmed the fundamental truth of God’s sovereignty over all things as well as the false, illusionary nature of idol worship. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,). But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him (I Cor. 8:4-6). But instead of continuing on in full support of the rights afforded them through the understanding of their faith, Paul told them that they were asking the wrong question. It wasn’t a matter of whether or not they had the right to do it; it was a question of whether or not it was the right thing to do.
Paul counseled them to quit focusing on knowing their rights and instead turn their attention to which action would better show love and support for others who were not yet as secure in their faith. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak (8:9). He stressed that no personal right is worth claiming if it causes such confusion in others that they turn from God because of it. He reminded his hearers that anyone who knowingly acted in such a manner would sin against both man and God. But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ (8:12).
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another (John 13:34). Loving our brother or sister in Christ means putting their needs ahead of our wants. It means going out of our way to uplift and encourage them on their journey with Christ instead of judging them for their weakness while simultaneously flaunting our own strengths. If this is not something we are willing to do, we may need to closely examine our own hearts. Are we genuinely living free in Christ, or are we instead motivated by worldly pride?
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another (Gal. 5:13).
Thought for Today: God directs us to accept the authority of those in worldly power, not to blindly follow them.
Cross Reference: For I Cor. 6:16: See Gen. 2:24. I Cor. 9:9: See Deut. 25:4.
Word Studies: 5:11 a railer = one who is verbally abusive, a reviler; 6:9 effeminate = male homosexual who takes the feminine role; abusers of themselves with mankind = sodomites; 7:1 not to touch a woman = not to marry; 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other = Do not deprive each other of marital rights; 7:12 let him not put her away = let him not leave her or divorce her; 7:32 without carefulness = free from anxieties.
Pray For Government Official:Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA) • Country: Israel (7,821,850) Middle East • Major Languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English • Witnessing to Jews about Christ the Messiah is actively discouraged • 75.1% Jewish; 17.4% Muslim; 2% Christian; 1.6% Druze; 3.9% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Prayer with an upright spirit and heart is a delight to God (Prov. 15:8).