Notes on 1 Corinthians 8

1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

Again, the surface issue of eating meat that was offered to idols is really not the main one. The primary issue in this section is the idea that sharing in the meat sold at idolatrous temples somehow involves the eater in worship of that god, when there is only one true God. Along with this is the idea that the knowledge certain believers had of that fact, along with their supposed spiritual freedom in eating the meat, somehow made them spiritually superior. Here, as in the entire book, spiritual pride is involved. The idea is developed more later in the chapter, but here Paul emphasizes the central truth that there is only one God and Creator, and one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

Now the real issue of spiritual pride comes out. While there is nothing inherently wrong with eating meat offered beforehand to idols, some believers think that it is. While those who think it isn't wrong may eat in part by way of showing how spiritually mature they are, those of weaker faith may interpret what they see as the practice of what they think of as sin. That encourages them to do the same, since those they consider more spiritually mature are indulging. Once they have accepted the principle of sinning again, perhaps with the idea that it does not matter since they are under grace, the door can be opened to worse things.

Though the issue is no longer one that concerns us, the principle remains. Many Christians are taught that drinking alcoholic beverages of any kind is wrong. If they are new Christians, not well grounded in the faith, and see Christian friends and family members drink, say, wine with a meal, they may be persuaded to take a drink as well, all the time thinking they are doing something wrong. There are other examples, like going to see R-rated movies or reading books These are more clearly in the area of wrong behavior, but still areas that don't seem to concern some Christians who think of themselves as spiritually liberated. Whether it's a matter of indulging in behavior that some consider wrong, or behavior that all or most know to be wrong, it's still a bad witness, both to other Christians and to the world. That's the standard of righteousness, to act in right ways toward others, in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

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