1 Corinthians 8

1 Cor. 8-10 bring us to another issue facing the Corinthian church.  It is a new topic, but is yet related to arrogance that seemed to be a dominating attitude in this fellowship.  Note that again Paul refers to being puffed up (v1) as he had before (4:6,18-19; 5:2) and will yet again in the love chapter (13:4).

These chapters are similar to the weaker brother issue in Rom. 14-15.  In both the bottom line is how we love each other in the Body of Christ.  The Church must beware (v9) of savage wolves bringing in not only destructive theological heresies but also destructive practical heresies.  What matters is not just what you know but what you do with what you know.  Here is a simple outline:

Ø Ch. 8: the Corinthian situation (meat sacrificed to idols).

Ø Ch. 9: the Apostolic illustration (marriage, financial remuneration).

Ø Ch. 10: the Church’s instruction (discipline, purity, the glory of God).

The eating of meat sacrificed to idols was interesting.  At the idolatrous temples sacrifices would be made to idols or demons (1 Cor. 10:20).  What was not burned up was then the main course at a meal for the worshipers.  What was not needed there was sold to any who desired it, and at a price cheaper than at the local meat market.  Christians, who typically love a bargain, would often buy that meat.  But other Christians took offense at such a practice.  They wanted to be as far removed from the idolatrous temples as possible.  That also seems like a good idea.  What were they to do?

The chapter begins on very high ground in 8:1-3.  The truths are fundamental.

·        Knowledge is not the key attribute in the body of Christ (v1).  We must have it (e.g. John 8:31), but knowledge without love leads to arrogance.  Only love edifies or builds people up. 

·        Knowledge alone is insufficient for determining God’s will (v2).  The right course of action will hinge on the loving application of what we know.

·        Even in our relationship with God, the command is not simply to have more knowledge of Him; it is to love Him (v3)!  That is the person who is known by Him (i.e. who has a relationship with God).

Thus, in Ch. 8, Paul could say that knowledge says, “An idol is nothing; the meat is from God’s creation; eat and enjoy it” (v4-6).  But what does love say?  It says, “Watch out for your brother; don’t offend his conscience; don’t do something that might encourage him to go against his conscience” (v7-13).  After all, food really isn’t an important issue in the worship of God (v8).

A bigger issue is the issue of “my rights” vs. the needs of others and this will be more fully discussed as we proceed.  For now let us remember the defining issue for believers.  Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).  Let us speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15).  Let us love in truth (2 John 1:1-3).