SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 8
BIBLE VERSES:
“ For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” ( 1 cORINTHIANS 8:5-6)
“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? 11 So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12 When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.” (1 Corinthians 8:9-13)
FOOD SACRIFICED TO IDOLS (vs. 1-13)
Paul was addressing to the believers who were not bothered by eating meat that was offered to idols. However, easting such meat offended some Christians with sensitive conscience Therefore, the mature believers should avoid eating meat offered to idols so that it won’t affect the conscience of the weaker christians.
Christian freedom is tied with Christian responsibility. Actions that cause or harm a Christian who is still young in faith must be avoided. We must be careful not to offend a sensitive or younger Christians by our example. Love is more important than knowledge. Let love be the central factor in strengthening the faith of a brother or sister by restraining on our freedom.
THOUGHTS:
Paul gave four admonitions to consider in discussing right and wrong in the area of questionable things:
- Your Own Attitude (vs. 1-3) – Our attitude should be Christ-like. Our knowledge must be balanced with love without judging one another or rejecting one another.
- Your Brother’s Knowledge (vs. 4-8) – Some Christians do not understand the blessings of liberty in Christ. They still live in religious bondage with rules, regulations. Christians who grow in grace and knowledge of God’s word have been set free by truth. They must be patient in using his knowledge as a tool to build up and not as a weapon to fight against fellow Christians.
- Your Brother’s Conscience (vs. 9-10) – The new Christian had a weak conscience. If he sees another Christian eating meat offered to idols, it might lead him into sin. So a mature Christian with a strong conscience should do everything possible not to offend the immature Christians.
- Christ (vs.12-13) – While on earth, Jesus was careful never to cause others to stumble. He taught us to put love into daily living and not to cause others to sin.
Conscience is the judge within that notifies us whether what we are doing is right or wrong. Conscience is strengthened by knowledge. Our conscience becomes stronger as we grow in spiritual understanding. We have liberty as Christians but not a liberty to become stumbling blocks to others. Beware that your rights and example will not cause a Christian to backslide or reject Christ. “Let no man think only of his own good but let him think of the good of other”.