Grace Church Wednesday nights - 1 Corinthians Pt 16

May 14, 2014, Grace Church Wednesday night service

Pastor Robb Yandian

Food Sacrificed to Idols
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1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (ESV)

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1. Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up.

2. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.

3. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.

Since this letter was written in response to a letter they sent to him, Paul is addressing each issue.  This and last chapter begin with "Now concerning...".  He is addressing the issues one by one.  

They were saying that I can do what I want, I know there is no other gods so what difference does it make.  

They had knowledge and it was puffing them up.  They became prideful and arrogant. Yes they were right, it does not make a difference. It is not walking in love however.  

Christian conduct is motivated by love not knowledge.People with lots of head knowledge and doctrines can be jerks.  As a Christian we should always be learning. While Paul agrees theologically with these people but is addressing the bigger issue of love.,

4. Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one."

Paul is quoting them here.  He is showing agreement.

5. For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"—

6. yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

He is agreeing with the doctrine here.  But it was not doing what it should be doing. Information should bring about transformation.  It is possible to have right doctrine but poor living.  

7. However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.

Paul is saying that you understand and I understand, but not everyone is us.  They do not realize this information.  To them, the idols still have power.  Your freedom is causing them to sin.  This is a matter of conscience.  

8. Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.

9. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

What you do can cause someone else to fall in their faith.

10. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols?

This is not political correctness where we are not going to offend anyone.  This is watching what we do so that a fellow Christian will not stumble.

11. And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died.

12. Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.

13. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

Puffed up nature is what can make another to sin.
What does all this mean. 

1. It does not say to never do anything that would offend with you
2. It is not saying do not do anything that would bother a fellow Christian. It is a matter of faith.  Discuss - yes, division - no.  

Do not put a stumbling block in other people's way.