1 Corinthians 8 - 3.9.23
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 8:1 NLT
“Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue.
But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church.”
OBSERVATION:
In this first letter to the Corinthian church, Paul writes to address several concerns. Here in chapter eight we see Paul turning the topic to the concern of eating meat offered to Idols.
UNDERSTANDING:
The question of eating meat offered to Idols was a real problem to those recently converted to Christ from heathenism. The markets would sell meat that had been offered to Idols (usually at a reduced rate) or they might be invited to a social event where the meat that was served had previously been offered in Idol worship.
Paul wanted to make a very clear point—eating meat that has been offered to Idols is an issue of Knowledge, Love, and Conscience.
Paul explains the meat itself is not an issue one way or another. They ALL had Knowledge that there was Only ONE—GOD—therefore—the Idols were powerless and worthless. This kind of Knowledge would Free the Conscience of those who were mature believers who understood the truth. (New Believer’s Commentary and Precept Austin)
But—other—newer believers—did not understand this Truth. Their Conscience bothered them—they were troubled about eating the offered meat—and any other believer that ate it. This is where Knowledge needs to be balanced with Love.
Something can be permissible—and not a problem for one believer—but a hindrance for another believer. In this case, it’s not our Knowledge that is of primary importance—it’s how we are demonstrating God’s Love in the situation. Love seeks to Strengthen and Encourage other believers.
“A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” ( Matthew 22:39 NLT)
LIFE APPLICATION:
Love Others…Love Strengthens the Church…
“Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)
LORD Jesus,
I pray You will cleanse my heart before you. I pray You will mold and shape my heart to be more like Yours. I Pray You will Overflow Your Love in me for others. Thank You for placing me at Desert Streams and surrounding me with so many godly people to disciple me. Give me greater courage to step out and share Your gospel wherever I go and to be more daring in praying for healing. Help me to pause and hear Your voice. In Jesus Name. amen
“Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.” ( 1 Cor 8:2-3 NLT)
Tina L Kudelka