November 12, 2024
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 Numbers and 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.……Continue Reading
Love that verse. Knowledge puffs up. Love builds up. How little we know. Reminds me of eliphaz. Bildad zophar.
“Older” Christians should be a good example for “younger” Christians. They need to remain faithful in the Spirit and be careful not to lead others astray. To whom much is given, much is required.
1 Corinthians 8
1 Corinthians 8
Parallels Romans 14 which is another chapter in the Bible I love. Sometimes something isn’t wrong because it is a sin against God, but because it is a sin against our own conscience or may tempt someone else to sin against their own conscience “whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23)
In a world that really wants us to think of ourselves first, God’s way is to always think of others before ourselves and this chapter shows us the importance of our example. When we live a good, honest life it is not just for ourself but rather to bring glory to Him and to be an example for others. To demonstrate the power of God in our lives that helps us avoid sin, to remain joyful in all circumstance, and to love others and hopefully lead others to want these things in their own lives. When people know we are Christians they are watching us!
2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.
3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.
”And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.“
I Corinthians 8:2-3 NKJV
This is a helpful verse to keep oneself humble.
“we don’t know anything.”
“You don’t know anything.”
“I don’t know anything.”
At least not as we ought to.
It is important to continue to seek the Lord and truth and don’t assume you know all there is to know.
How important it is for knowledge to lead to the right attitudes and behaviors, because if it doesn’t, then we are not knowing in the way we should. Knowledge should cause us to consider others more than ourselves rather than being boastful of all the things we “know”. In fact it is more important that God knows us than that we know things about Him. And what a litmus test dealing with disputable matters is for whether love or knowledge is the focus of our lives. If we think less of people because of the way they act or think in regards to things the Bible doesn’t speak directly of, then we are operating according to knowledge not love. We should all seek to have our consciences informed by the word of God and yet neither judge people or flaunt our freedom depending on the place different people find themselves. It is the substance of what things are that matters, not the symbols we might assign to things based on our own prejudice or orientation to things.
1 Corinthians 8
People will know we are Christians by our love. Putting others before ourselves and living our lives with integrity, service, thankfulness and forgiveness. Having a thirst for knowledge of what the truth is in God’s word and a willingness to share it with others when we have the opportunity.