NEW PINEY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH COMBINED ADULT 2nd SUNDAY BIBLE SCHOOL July 13 th, 2014 Quarterly Theme : Priorities For The People Of God

UNIT II: Living as a Community of Believers Today’s Lesson “Love Builds Up” 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

INTRODUCTION In last week’s lesson the idea of “Christian Liberty” was mentioned. The question of “can I do this?” or “can I do that?” has always been and perhaps may always be, a challenge in the Body of Christ. Two thoughts prevailed in the lesson: 1.Is exercising my Christian Liberty beneficial? 2.Will exercising my Christian Liberty cause bondage for others?

In today’s Bible lesson, our text continues that second thought. As members of the Body of Christ, we have a responsibility, not only to God, but to each other. Our “freedom” in Christ, should not make slaves out of others. The Bible Expositor & Illuminator Commentary says: In this week’s Scripture passage, we see this idea with a broader perspective, including the way [our] actions can affect others.

The Bible Expositor & Illuminator Outline contains two sections: I.REALIZING IGNORANCE IN OTHERS – 1 Corinthians 8:1-6 II.BUILDING UP OTHERS – 1 Corinthians 8:7-13

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Everyday shopping presented problems to first-century Gentile Christians. Meat sold in a Gentile market in Corinth could have been first used as sacrificial meat in a heathen temple. Part would have been burned on an altar, part eaten at a solemn meal in the temple, and the remainder sold in the market for home consumption.

Some Christians who had once believed in those gods who the sacrifices were offered to, began to feel uncomfortable eating meat offered to these idols. They felt it would be a denial of their Christian faith. They came into the knowledge that there is only one true God, and Lord, Jesus Christ. While their intentions expressed their sincere devotion, it affected the unity of the church.

Jewish Christians in the church understood eating meats that was offered to an idol did not affect there relationship with Christ. Therefore, they had no problem buying and eating these meats. While their conclusion was right, some had become proud of what they felt was their superior knowledge and attitude. The issue began to cause division, so they wrote Paul for advice.

1 Corinthians 8:1 KNOWLEDGE VERUS LOVE

1 Corinthians 8:1 (KJV) Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

The church at Corinth faced two issues with meats offered to idols.  Community Meals Ate in pagan temples Toast to idol gods Sacrifices made to idols Social implication  Meats Sold In Markets Undetermined origin Originally offered to idols

Paul addresses the problem by declaring the danger that knowledge will puff people up, whereas the Christian faith means relating to others in a loving way. Love builds people up, for it seeks to bestow some blessing on others. Mature believers had knowledge, but knowledge alone was not the most important thing. Love needed to prevail. Knowledge without love has no profit.

1 Corinthians 8:2-3 KNOWING NOTHING VERSUS KNOWN BY GOD

1 Corinthians 8:2-3 (KJV) And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

Paul gives a warning to those Christians who think they know all about this issue and have resolved the matter to their satisfaction. This led them to the decision to eat meats offered to idol. But Paul tells them knowledge by itself has limitations. No matter how much a man thinks he knows, he still does not know fully. The verb tense implies full and complete knowledge.

Quoting the Bible Expositor & Illuminator: It is possible to develop a sense of pride over personal achievements that really does not help God children in their learning or Christian walk. It is important that those who serve Him do so with knowledge, a humble spirit, and a heart of love for God.

1 Corinthians 8:4 NOTHING VERUS REALITY

1 Corinthians 8:4 (KJV) 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. him.

Jewish believers in Corinth were taught that there was only one God from childhood. So idol worship was not a big issue for them. The Bible Expositor & Illuminator: We might think these truths would settle the issue, but it was not that simple especially in Corinth. There was still a cultural aspect to it, as well as the thoughts in minds of less-mature believers.

1 Corinthians 8:5-6 MANY gods VERSUS ONE GOD

1 Corinthians 8:5-6 (KJV) For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But 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.

Paul acknowledges that there are claims to the godship (deity) and lordship (dominion) of idols. However, he does not ascribe divinity to them; they were not authentic expressions of God. On the contrary he says they are “called gods.” This phrase was used to describe something that was popular, but erroneous. This popularity was due to “physical” images, but they were made by men.

1 Corinthians 8:7-8 UNDERSTANDING THE USE OF FOOD

1 Corinthians 8:7-8 (KJV) Howbeit 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. 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.

Paul expressed the truth that meat that was offered to idols was still meat, with no spiritual attachment. Not everyone in Corinth understood this. What little knowledge they had did not rid them of the conviction. They were still aware that what they ate was sacrificed to idols. They believed that in some way this connected them to the idol. It was superstition similar to what many believe about black cats.

In verse 1 Paul said knowledge was not confined to a certain group in Corinth. But that did not mean all Christians had knowledge. If a person lived with the sense that what he ate was offered to idols, he was associated with idols. Thus, he had sinned. They were troubled when they knew meat being offered to them had been used in sacrificial services. Thus, they had become defiled.

1 Corinthians 8:9-10 SHOWING CONCERN FOR OTHERS

1 Corinthians 8:9-10 (KJV) But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For 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;

The issue is not about being strong or having a knowledge of the things of Christ. Nor is the issue concerning of our liberty and wonderful freedom in Christ. The point is that we must consider the frailties of the weak. The stronger we are, the more a loving attitude is demanded of us. Meat in itself is a neutral item and may be refrained from for the good of another.

"Stumblingblock" (proskomma) is something that lies in the path, over which an unwary, unsuspecting foot might trip or stumble. From a spiritual viewpoint a "stumblingblock" is anything that can cause another to sin, to act outside of faith, and so injure his soul or Christian life. In other words proskomma is a term that implies stumbling that leads to falling away from the faith.

1 Corinthians 8:11-12 SINNING AGAINST CHRIST

1 Corinthians 8:11-12 (KJV) And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

Paul feared that immature Christians would see other Christians eating food offered to idols and would eventually give in to the pressure to conform, and thereby stumble. The immature believer would then be living with a seared conscience which would hinder his ability to determine right from wrong. He is spiritually destroyed because of it and backsides into paganism.

Paul, explains that it was not an exercise of their Christian Liberates, but rather a sin against their brother. John MacArthur, reflecting on this verse says this is…: A strong warning that causing a brother or sister in Christ to stumble is more than simply an offense against that person; it is a serious offense against the Lord Himself.

1 Corinthians 8:13 RESOLVING TO EXERCISE CARE

1 Corinthians 8:13 (KJV) Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

In summary Paul stressed the priority of brotherly love. He did not demand that the knowledgeable relinquish their right, but he illustrated how he would apply the principle to himself. Paul did not want any brother to fall but to be “built up” and knowledge governed by love accomplished that. Paul was not concerned about himself but about his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

CONCLUSION We live in a culture that tells us we are worth having what we desire and that we have the right to have it our way. Most media advertising encourages selfish preoccupations. However, the biblical teaching tells us that we should put others before ourselves. This is how we allow love to build up those around us.

PASTOR’S REFLECTIONS Reflect back on the title of our lesson “Love Builds Up.” But most of the lesson dealt with being patient and tolerant. However, when we think about it, isn’t patience and tolerance a big part of loving someone? Aren’t we more patient and tolerant of those we love?

“Love Builds Up,” is a true statement. But it all starts with our loving God. The Bible teaches that if we say we love God, but do not express that love to our brothers and sisters, we are living a lie. Jesus told us that if we love Him we will keep His commandments. Loving each other is a sign of discipleship.