1 Corinthians_8:1

Scripture

1 Corinthians 8:1 ¹ …We know that “We all possess knowledge.  ”But knowledge puffs up while love builds up...”

Observation

Apostle Paul is writing to the church or Corinth.  Some of the Corinthians bring to him questions about eating things that had been sacrificed to idols; but he first directs their attention to their pride about their knowledge.  We later learn that, truly, the meat or the fact that’s it’s been sacrificed is not the concern but, rather, if it could be stumbling block to new/fellow/weak Christians, best to avoid.  To cause a brother/sister to stumble is a sin against them and against Christ.

Understanding

I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze. – Leviticus 26:19But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. – 2 Chronicles 26:16In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. – Psalm 10:4Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. – Psalm 73:6When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. – Proverbs 11:2A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. – Proverbs 14:3Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. – Proverbs 16:18Pride brings along with it all kinds of troublesome things – violence, arrogance, destruction, disgrace, downfall; and it seems to be a natural challenge for most people.  Even those of us who say we love and trust God can sometimes be quick to take credit for (and pride in) what God is doing in our lives – as if it is by our own works.  Even so, there’s good news!  [Seems there always is with God. :)  A simple solution – STAY HUMBLE and course correct (or repent) when you catch yourself being prideful.Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the Lord’s wrath did not come on them during the days of Hezekiah. – 2 Chronicles 32:26Repentance protects us from God’s wrath.  And humility creates space for honor for the one who deserves it – God.  God is the one who is worth of and WILL BE exalted.The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. – Isaiah 2:11And, apparently, that was important enough to God to mention again…just 6 verses later.  Seems that might just mean something. :)The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day, - Isaiah 2:17

Life Application

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10God, I thank you that you welcome a repentant heart.  Forgive me for the times I’ve allowed my pride to get in the way, to hold me back from giving YOU the honor and glory that you so richly deserve.  Help me to be still, to be grateful, to turn the attention where it is due…for EVERYthing good that comes my way – no matter how big or small. May I take time today to remove any puff of pride and, instead, replace it with the building up of others with your love...in a way that turns hearts towards you. I love you and am grateful to be seen, known and loved by you; may my life reflect that today.In your name I pray.  Rei To check out the discussion or to join in click here.