Called To Help The Weak

For the past seven chapters, Paul has dealt with issues that arose in the Corinthian church. At first he dealt mainly with immorality, and sexual perversion. Remember Corinth was like Sin city, when it came to sex. It was the equivalent of a redlight district,in bibical times. Now he deals with yet another issue. The issue of Christians partaking of food, that has been used for sacrifice. We must consider the times in which these letters were written. Idol and demonic worship were rampant practices. New Christians were worried that they were involved in pagan activities. Paul takes this opportunity to focus on something, of much more importance. Here Paul takes the time to explain to Corinthians, this is no big deal. This is just another bone of contention, in the body of Christ. Instead of spending time debating that.What we must do as Christians is exhibit love, in all our actions. Not leaving anyone out. In these passages Paul attempts to straighten out some false beliefs. As well as emphasize the importance of love.



1 Corinthians 8

1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

2And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

3But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

Paul starts here by pointing out the importance of exhibiting love. If we focus on the knowledge we receive in Christ. We have something this world doesn't provide us with. If not used in a responsible manner. It tends to swell our heads. It gives us an air of self-righteousness. The confidence one receives, in knowing the word of God. Is unparalleled in it's scope. It can make you appear pompous.Your knowledge is no doing of your own. But that which God has given you. Your knowledge is a testament to his goodness. If anything be remembered of you. Let it be said, that you loved God.


4As 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.

5For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

6But 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.

Anything that relates to another supreme-being, is false from the start. You don't even have to ponder it, there is only one God. Everything around us came from the same source. He is the start and finish of our faith. It was spoken in the beginning of time. The adamic nature of man, causes him to challenge God's sovereignty. You will encounter many things in life, claiming that distinction. There is but one God, and one way to him. Through his son Jesus Christ.


7Howbeit 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.

8But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

9But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

Everyone doesn't possess the same level of commitment or understanding. Those who have a full understanding of the scripture know. Since the idols are false themselves. They have no significance, neither any food offered to them in sacrifice. Eating of this meat, won't make a difference one way or the other. Your justification to God, isn't dependent on your diet. Because you have obtained this knowledge. Don't let this maturity form a division between those, who do and don't know.

10For 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;

11And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

12But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

13Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

If seeing you doing something, misleads your brother. That is reason for you to refrain. If they don't know, that it doesn't make a difference. Don't give them reason to defy their belief. If they believe they shouldn't do it, don't entice them. Our concern for doing the right thing. Should go beyond our personal actions. We must serve as examples, to those who might be watching.