Tag: 1st Corinthians 8:1-3
Love builds up!
Scripture reading for August 10th: 1st Corinthians 8, Psalm 9, Proverbs 4
1st Corinthians 8: 1-3 “Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.”
Paul, writing to Christians in a culture of idolatry, cautioned them against spiritual pride and using their freedoms and “knowledge” in a manner that might cause weaker or younger believers to stumble. “Knowledge” puffs up a person with pride. Using even right knowledge that an idol is nothing and that food does not necessarily defile you, even if offered to an idol, could cause those who still believe that is defiling to stumble and violate their conscience. The law of love says that we follow the Holy Spirit in caring for others and limiting our freedoms that all might grow closer to Jesus Christ. When we love God in this way, God takes note and upholds each loving believer.
Psalm 9:9-10 “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know Your Name put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.”
Prayer: Father, thank You for being our stronghold in times of trouble and in this idolatrous culture. Help me daily to stay humble and avoid the trap of pride. May Your love flow in me by the Holy Spirit to love God and show love towards others seeing them built up in their faith. May we not stumble as we run the race of faith and follow Your path of wisdom and uprightness.
Proverbs 4:10-12 “Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have lead you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.”
Known by God!
Scripture reading for September 3rd: 2nd Chronicles 29-31, 1st Corinthians 8
Key Scriptures: 1st Corinthians 8:1-3 “Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.”
Corinth was a pagan city with an idolatrous culture. Many idol temples worshiping various ‘gods’ were in the city and animal sacrifices were offered to appease these ‘gods.’ Christians knew that these idols were nothing and that eating meat from the sacrifices would not harm them. This knowledge made them proud–‘puffed up’, and lacking in love for those caught in this idolatry whom God loved and wanted to reach. They did not know enough about God’s love and their need to restrain their liberty to reach lost sinners. We should rather have God ‘know’ us because we love Him and the lost than to have religious “knowledge.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, fill me with a river of Your love through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Help me to love others caught in the idolatry of these times and reach them with Your love.
2nd Chronicles 30:8 “Do not now be stiff-necked as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the Lord and come to His sanctuary, which He has consecrated forever, and serve the Lord your God, that His fierce anger may turn away from you.”
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