Lessons From 1 Corinthians – Lesson 8 Intro
We have seen it before how Paul will start making a point and he will bring in a topic that has bearing on his point, and then he will sidestep a bit and expand upon that and then he will get back to the main point.
This confuses some because they don’t understand this very through method of instruction that Paul uses. I have found it helpful to notice when Paul starts a point and then read forward until you find where he concludes his point.
Once you do that, then you understand the context of everything in between. You then see that everything in between has some bearing on the bigger topic being dealt with. And yes some of the topics and principals that Paul brings in can stand on their own.
And yet you are missing something if you don’t see the context of the entire topic Paul is addressing.
Understanding this brings clarity to all the topics brought into the discussion and gives greater clarity on what the purpose is of the entire section.
We started the section that starts in 1 Cor chapter 8.
1 Cor 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
1 Cor 8:2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
1 Cor 8:4 As 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.
1 Cor 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
1 Cor 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
1 Cor 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
An idol is nothing. Eating meat or not eating does not commend us to God. We are not better if we don’t eat it and we are not worse if we do. It does not matter. God does not care.
We have liberty to eat it or not, but Paul teaches us not to eat it if it makes our weaker brother to offend.
And this principal would not apply to things that God cares about. It does not apply to not following the Lord’s commands for example how and why to baptize.
Paul used eating meat offered to idols to introduce this topic. There is a big difference between have to and should and I can but should I.
It is a big topic. And it is very important. So it should be no surprise that Paul spends some time on this.
Go forward to Chapter 10 verse 27 and we see where Paul is going to conclude this topic.
1 Cor 10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
1 Cor 10:28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:
1 Cor 10:29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?
Paul is wrapping up where he started. Eating sacrifices offered to idols. And Paul says the same thing using different verbiage.
What is set before you eat, asking no question for conscience sake. Because it makes no difference. The meat has not changed. You are not worse for eating it or better for not eating it.
But if your brother says this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, then eat not for his sake that shewed it. Not for your conscience but of the other.
So everything in-between chapter 8 verse 1 and the end of chapter 10 all have bearing upon the same big issue.
There is a big difference between have to and should and I can but should I.
Paul starts with I can eat the meat but I should not always. All things are lawful unto me but not all things are expedient. And we see he is ending the same way
What I do in front of others does impact them. And I should be aware of that. At times we should all ask ourselves, I can but should I.
So we can now look at what is between the introduction and conclusion of this topic and keep it in the context of I can but should I. I have liberty and I have rights, but what about others?
I can but I should be considering is it helpful to the cause of Christ and to others?