1 Corinthians 8

Once again the apostle Paul is addressing an issue of division within the Corinthian church.  This time the object of discussion is whether it is lawful to eat meat sacrificed to idols.  In this period and place many temples existed where idol worship was a common occurrence.  Because of the frequency of idol worship coupled with the sacrifice of animals meat was plentiful in the homes of those who participated in the ritual and the meat was plentiful in the market place.  Generally, the cost of the meat which had been sacrificed was a lesser price making it very tempting to purchase for those with lower means.  The question of debate was whether the devout Christian should indulge in such meat whether purchased or in the homes of idol worshippers. 

Paul reminds the early church that they are not justified by whether they eat this meat or abstain from eating it.  Instead, their justification is found in Christ alone.  In verses 6-8 Paul states, “Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through Him…Food will not make us acceptable to God. We are not inferior if we don't eat, and we are not better if we do eat.”  From this passage we ascertain two things.  First, our existence and justification is found in Christ alone.  Secondly, the food is not the major issue for neither abstention nor participation removes or draws us to God.  The greater issue is found in our witness to those not in Christ and those weak in Christ.  Paul reminds the Corinthians in verse nine that while we might have the “right” we must be judicious in our execution of this privilege.  For the greater issue comes in how we draw or push away people to Christ.  Our purpose in life should be to point people to Christ.  Therefore, when we, by participation in cultural norms, actions, attitudes, or endeavors, cause people to lose their faith in Christ or hinder their walk in Christ, then we have sinned and will have to account for such actions.   

Takeaways:

1.   My privileges as a believer must be tempered by my responsibilities as a follower of Christ.

2.   I must be conscious of how my actions can gather people to Christ or scatter them from Him.
3.   There are greater depths than surface issues in our walk with God; therefore, we must seek God’s grace and wisdom in all decisi