Bible Reading Challenge #18
Read 1 Corinthians 8
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”), 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.
7 But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. 8 But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.
9 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.
Day 2 of Chapter 8
Read 1 Corinthians 8
Yesterday, we discussed how to approach a topic that weighs heavily on another person's conscience. We should tread lightly, not arrogantly, into those conversations—for the sake of the other. We are not to abuse our freedoms at the expense of our brothers and sisters.
Today, I want us to focus on the other side: those who hold to cultural convictions that are not biblically forbidden. For Paul, the topic at hand was meat sacrificed to idols. In Corinth, the congregation was comprised of many recent converts, most of whom came from a pluralistic religious background. Simply put, they used to worship the very gods and idols that Paul says are “nothing at all.” While this is true, it was not an easy concept to leave behind quickly. As a result, eating meat sacrificed to idols felt like condoning idol worship. The consciences of these recent converts were being tested. It just didn’t feel right! While love and patience are demanded, Paul is also clear that there is nothing to fear.
In our day, the church is quite divided over what is “allowed.” The freedom found in Christ is understood and interpreted differently across denominations, churches, and even among members of the same congregation.
Here are some helpful questions to consider when discerning whether to partake in something:
Is it biblically forbidden?
(Examples: sexual immorality, drunkenness, idolatry) → If yes, avoid.Does it trouble my spirit?
(Is the Holy Spirit pricking my conscience?) → If yes, avoid for now (at least).How will this affect those around me?
(Example: Am I unnecessarily creating temptation or sin for someone else?) → If yes, limit or avoid in this scenario.Will this bring glory to God?
(Can I honor and thank God in it?) → If yes, enjoy with gratitude.
