1 Corinthians 8 Knowledge and Love

Knowledge vs Love Knowledge Puffs Up Love Builds Up This is the context for the rest of the chapter. We should want to love rather than just be knowledgeable in our faith.

Cultural Context Part of Idol worship was eating food! Who doesn't like a free meal? Temple feasts were common Some Christians logically didn't see a problem in taking part Other Christians did simply because they saw it as an evil act

Man is Naturally Proud - We hear a rule and instantly want to challenge it. - Humans have a tendency to justify their actions. - Due to a Sin (Self-Centered) Nature

Do we encourage potential Idols? Drinking “I do it responsibly” Cohabitation “It's not like we're sleeping together. We're not even in a relationship!” Other: "It's not like I'm going to make money on the program/CD I downloaded illegally." "It's just a few curse words that I didn't even say. It's just a little crude. And it's funny!" “I can work a fifty hour week and still have energy to spend time with God.” “Being on my phone in Church doesn't distract me. I can multitask.”

In the World, Not of the World The Point of Following Christ is not to stay out of trouble.

In the World, Not of the World The Point of Following Christ is not to stay out of trouble. It is to strive to be as close to the standard of God as possible.

Jesus sharing meals with prostitutes and tax collectors vs. Eating food for Idols

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)

If we are to be different from the world we have to examine the things we assume don't matter. Although they may not hinder our spirituality, they are going to throw a wedge between one of our Christian brother's relationship with Jesus.

Sin originates, not from things, but from ourselves. We are sinning when we continue to live a life that tears each other down. A life that ignores it's impact on others is a life of sin! Not of love!

We are called to love one another “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35 (NIV)

As Christians We are Responsible: To sacrifice for the benefit of others To encourage and love each other To hold each other accountable To work hard in developing and building on each other's relationship with Jesus To represent and glorify God in EVERYTHING we do