Week 32, Day 4
August 11, 2022 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8 “So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled.” (1 Corinthians 8:4–7) How can our freedoms cause harm for others? Paul brings this concern to the conversation with the Corinthian church. He is understands that there are those who enjoy their freedom in Christ, and those that are still learning what it means for themselves. Some are recently removed from idolatry and to eat food sacrificed to idols reminds them too much of where they came from. They can’t quite separate themselves from their past. Paul is gracious with the new believers. Not condemning them for not realizing their freedom, but coming alongside of them and abstaining from food sacrificed to idols. Paul and others have come to realize that these gods don’t even exist, so there’s nothing to worry about when eating food that’s been sacrificed to them. The food doesn’t change sacrificed or not. But for those who are recently removed from this way of life, the sacrifices are all to real and are worshipful of the idols they were given to. We are wise to consider how our lives and conduct might affect others. Paul takes quite seriously his role as a leader in the faith community. The last thing he wants to do is to lead others towards sin or discouragement in their faith. So, Paul abstains, even though his conscious is clear to eat food sacrificed to idols. Paul would rather do without to help those new to the faith. Am I concerned about the well-being of others and encouraging them in their faith? Are their actions that I’m taking, freedoms I’m exercising that fellow believers might be harmed by? Am I willing to refrain, so as not to discourage the faith of others? The premise of today’s text is that it isn’t about me. Paul is teaching us that selfish Christianity is no Christianity at all. It is not about exhausting our freedoms for personal gain, but caring for others and pointing them towards Christ.
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AuthorJordan Ickes, Minister of Etna Green Church of Christ. Archives
December 2022
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