1 Corinthians 8:1-13

 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Few things are worse than a know-it-all, but one of them is a group of know-it-alls who are trying to get support for their misguided position. Apparently among the questions sent to Paul was one from a group who felt they knew all that needed to be known about meat sacrificed to idols and the idols themselves. They wanted Paul's endorsement to eat meat because there were some who challenged them and disapproved of the practice of eating meat sacrificed to idols. These arrogant know-it-alls wanted Paul to set their “ignorant companions” right and command them to eat sacrificial meat, or at least not get upset and allow the practice. While we do not face this issue there are several principles we put into practice as disciples.

First, what is permissible for one believer may in some cases be dangerous or sinful for another. When a person comes to faith in Christ they come with all of their baggage and issues. These issues profoundly shape how that person will grow in their faith. Faith is individual and personal not a one-size-fits-all template.

Second, no behavior needs to be conducted solely on the basis of knowledge, but also on the basis of love for others. We are not to act as egoists who are trying to gain a reputation for ourselves. Nor as superiors who use our knowledge to gain or rationalize what we want. In every act there needs to be the consideration of the role of love.

Third, if an action hurts a brother then no one has the right to practice it regardless of how mature he or she thinks they are, or how much they think they know. The fundamental principle and premise of being a disciple is “dying to self”.  Whatever is done to the weakest brother is done to Christ, be that for good or for ill. Bringing harm and ruin to a brother is an act of violence against the Savior. Hurt and harm to the church produces from Christ the question, “Why are you persecuting me?”

Finally, someone claiming they have a weak conscience that might be offended does not allow them to impose some practice of self-restraint on another believer. Paul offered to be a vegetarian in order to protect the conscience of the authentically weaker brother. But Paul does this with the qualifications of ‘if’ eating meat might cause a brother to be lost.  But ‘if’ a manipulative person tries to control others by demanding that they and their weak conscience be satisfied they will get a different response. Paul is not endorsing weakness in this passage, nor is he endorsing arrogant knowledge, but rather love.

“Lord, in the complex world of freedoms and conscience help me to be motivated by love. AMEN