Happy Tuesday! This morning we begin our review of 1 Corinthians chapter 8. Chapters 8 through 14 is Paul’s counsel to the Corinthians concerning Christian Liberty/Freedom. The Corinthians had several questions concerning meat that had been sacrificed and Paul provided guidance on the matter. Join me as we continue reading 1 Corinthians.
“Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. 2 Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. 3 But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.” – 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 NLT
In review of some commentaries, it appears the questions being asked related to the acceptability of:
- buying and eating meat from a sacrificial animal.
- eating the meat as a guest in someone’s home.
- attending a pagan sacrifice and enjoying the meal of celebration.
Paul, begin his response with an attempt to tear down barriers that have been creating division in the Corinthian church. He begins to address the heart of the people stating, that they all had knowledge (including us), but true knowledge is from God and our love for God helps us to love others.
In 1 John 4:20-21 it reads, “20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer,[c] that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.[d]“
As we continue to explore these chapters, let me also encourage you as a reader, as a person who may or may not attend church to love God and to love your fellow believers. While we may not agree on everything, we may not know everything, we all serve the same God, love the same God and He had commanded that we love one another.
Therefore, sisters and brothers, who is the Lord calling you to love today? ______ Love them, and pray for them.
Father God, thank you for waking us up this morning. Thank you for your grace toward us. Lord, even when we have been unfaithful, you have been so faithful to us. Lord, help us to understand your word and apply it to our lives. Lord, open our eyes so that we may see you in every area of our lives. Lord, hold us together as believers in the faith. Teach us to love as you love. Lord, your word says love covers a multitude of sins and we thank you for your sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Lord, forgive us of our sins (known and unknown). Lord, remove haughty spirits from within us and keep us humble and focused on you. Lord, help us to apply your love in every area of our lives and in the decisions that we make. Lord, you know the needs of your people. Help us to be attuned to what you are calling us to do on your behalf. Lord, continue to change us and use us. In Jesus name, amen.
Keep praying! Keep Trusting God in the Process! Keep believing!
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