November 28, 2022
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in selections from 1 Corinthians? Here’s today’s reading:
1 Corinthians 8 (NIV)
Concerning Food Sacrificed to Idols
1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. 2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. 3 But whoever loves God is known by God.
4 So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”),..........Continue Reading
We enter situations with the knowledge of God on what is right and wrong. Choosing to abstain from something we deem wrong doesn’t make us better than someone else but we certainly are responsible for the example we set as Christians. To do what is right and show restraint is done through God’s power not our own and we must be careful not to fall into pride feeling like we have done something right on our own merit.
What a great verse. Knowledge puffs up. Love builds up. Much rather have less knowledge with the gift of generosity. Seen too many Christians eager to let you know how much scripture they have learned thinking they are better than others. To compare to others in this way is immature and dangerous. I have my gifts others have theirs. If you’re more learned than me in scripture. God bless you. I care very little. I only care of showing the love of Christ to the world Can’t stomach legalism. And this usually falls in that category telling other Christians how they should live their lives. What does scripture say. Encourage one another!!
1 Corinthians 8
Knowledge is only beneficial if it leads us to greater Christlikeness and thereby using our knowledge to help people rather than showing our superiority. And yet how easily knowledge puffs up and makes us feel like we are better than others and able to call the shots and tell them what’s up and live according to our knowledge rather than considering how our lives effect others, especially in Christendom and how we engage with disputable matters. Paul deals with food sacrificed to idols because it was something the Corinthians asked about as well as a hot button issue of that day. Yes the reality is the idol is nothing. We know who God is and our faith is in Him and so the idol is a piece of stone. So to eat food that was blessed by an idol (a common practice for those selling meat in that day, btw) is no big deal because the food is no different. But for someone who still thinks of the idol as something and to eat food blessed by or sacrificed to it is supporting belief in the idol or the food is changed by it, the conscience is defiled by eating. But if someone with right knowledge eats and thinks nothing of how that impacts someone who doesn’t know, that is a problem. And that is the very thing Paul is encouraging people to think about. How people have and do interact with the Coronavirus is a good modern day example of what Paul it addressing. Is it something or is it nothing, and how do you deal with someone who thinks differently than you…especially when both parties feel like they are the ones who are “in the know”.
It is important to be sensitive to other people’s way of thinking when we interact with others. Understanding, encouraging, supporting and loving others is the best way to fellowship with Christians. And finding opportunities to learn and discuss God’s word together will help guide and lead us in the way we should go.