1 Corinthians 8; 1
All of us possess knowledge concerning these matters. Yet mere knowledge causes people to be puffed up and (to bear themselves lofty and be proud). Love, affection, goodwill and benevolence edifies and builds up and encourages one to grow to his full stature of Christ.
2. If anyone imagines that he has come to know and understand much [of divine things, with out love], he does not yet perceive, recognize nor understand strongly and clearly; He has not become as intimately acquainted with anything as he ought nor as is necessary.
3. But if one loves God truly with affection, reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing, he is known by God and recognized as being worthy of His intimacy, love, and he is owned by Him.
4. In this matter, then, of eating food offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing (has no real existence) and that there is no God but one. [Deut.6;4.]
5. There may be so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, there are many of them- both gods of lords and masters.
6. Yet for us there is [only] one God, the Father, Who is the Source of all things and for Whom we [have life], and one Lord by Whom we [ourselves exist]. [Mal.2;10]
7. Nevertheless, not all believers possess this knowledge. But thinking of idols [as real and living, the perceiver] still consider the food offered to an idol as that sacrificed to an actual real god; and one’s weak conscience become defiled and injured if they eat [it].
8. Now food [itself] will not cause our acceptance by God nor commend us to Him. Eating [food offered to idols] gives us no advantage; neither do we come short or become any worse if we do not eat [it].
9. Only be careful that this power of choice (this permission and liberty to do as you please) which is yours,does not some how become a hinderance. Don’t let your stumbling be the cause of a weak and over scrupulous impulse to sin.
10. Suppose someone sees you, a man having knowledge [of God, with an intelligent view of this subject and] reclining at a table in an idol’s temple, might he not be encouraged and emboldened to violate his own conscientious scruples?
11. And so by your enlightenment and your knowledge of spiritual things, this weak man is ruined (is lost and perishes) the brother for whom Christ [the Messiah] died!
12. And when you sin against your brethren in this way, wounding and damaging their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
13. Therefore, if my eating a food is the cause of my brother’s falling or of hindering his spiritual advancement, I will not eat (such) flesh forever; Lest I cause my brother to be tripped up and fall and to be offended.
So The Questions Remain…In Exercising Liberty or Your Rights Will You?
1. Will you hinder the spiritual advancement of others
2. Will you cause your brother to trip up and fall
3. Will you offend your brother
4. Will you damage his weak conscience
5. Will you put hindrance in the way of spreading the Gospel of Christ
These are some things to think about !!!!!!!!!!!!!
More to come on this subject
