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Summary

1 Corinthians 8:1–3 – Knowledge and Love

What happens: Paul says “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone thinks he knows, he does not yet know as he ought. The one who loves God is known by God.

What it means: Love is the rule for Christian freedom. God values humility and care for others. Being known by God is better than being seen as clever.

1 Corinthians 8:4–6 – One God, One Lord

What happens: Idols are nothing. There is one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things.

What it means: Worship belongs to the one true God. Jesus shares in God’s work and authority. Right belief should lead to right love.

1 Corinthians 8:7–13 – Care for the Weak Conscience

What happens: Not all believers have this knowledge. Some still feel defiled by idol food. Paul warns that using freedom without love can ruin a brother or sister for whom Christ died. He would rather never eat meat than make another stumble.

What it means: Christ’s cross sets the value of a soul. God calls us to limit freedom for the sake of love. Holiness and unity require patient care for tender consciences.

Application

  • Let love set the limits of your liberty.
  • Hold to one God and one Lord with humble worship.
  • Adjust habits to protect weaker believers, even at personal cost.
  • Aim to build up others, not display your knowledge.

Bible

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.

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.

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.

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.

← 1 Corinthians 71 Corinthians 9 →

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