Please read 1 Corinthians 8.
www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/1co/8/1/s_1070001
Meditate on verse 9.
But take care that this liberty of yours
does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth to address problems and to answer questions and concerns the Corinthians had. They were concerned about relationships, so Paul wrote about being single, married, and divorced in 1 Corinthians 7.
In chapter 8, Paul answered a question concerning things sacrificed to idols by saying, “knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies” (v. 1). It seems like an odd answer, but not if you keep it in the context of relationships. Paul wanted the Christians in Corinth to take the things they were learning about God and apply them with love to the people around them. For example, the believers were taught that in Christ they had freedom to eat anything. However, with that freedom came the responsibility not to cause someone else to stumble in their walk with Christ or in their opportunity to know Christ as Savior. If eating a steak that has been sacrificed to an idol, even though an idol is nothing, hurts another’s spiritual growth, then don’t eat the steak. Be motivated by love for others rather than the pride of knowing you have the freedom in Christ to do certain things.
Pray 1 Corinthians 8:1 and 9 over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).
“LORD, may _________ and I not become arrogant in our knowledge.
In love, help us edify others.
May we take care that the liberty we have
not become a stumbling block to the weak.
For the sake of Your name, Jesus~”
The WATCHMAN on the WALL ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell
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