yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we live through him. 1 Corinthians 8:6 WEB
Recently converted, the new believers in Corinth encountered some confusion about how to conduct themselves as Christians. Idolatry and paganism flourished in their city. They accepted that there is only one true God. However, opinion divided the Corinthians on whether or not they could attend functions at temples where people offered sacrifices to idols. Further, the practice of eating food offered to the false gods caused division among them.
These practices were deeply ingrained into everyday life for people of that time period and place. Asserting that there is only one God, some Corinthians did not see why eating food offered to idols is wrong. They reasoned that since the idol receiving the offering was only a material object and certainly not God, then eating the food was acceptable.
Paul emphasized his agreement with the church by stating that there is only one God and we live through him. In addition, he agreed that the idols are nothing but material. He then addresses his concern that participation in these activities might cause some to suffer a bad conscience. Saying of Jesus that we live through him, Paul’s concern is that attending these temples and participating in the functions there might lead some weaker followers away from the salvation of Christ.
Be Careful What You Say and Do
Jesus says in Matthew 15:11, “That which enters into the mouth doesn’t defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man. WEB” And yet, Paul cautions the Corinthians against attending temples of idol worship and against eating food offered to the false gods because it may trouble the conscience of some who place significance on such acts.
With his reasoning, Paul emphasizes our responsibility to encourage fellow believers in love. If behavior we engage in causes our brother or sister to stumble, Paul explains that it is a sin against Christ through a failure of love. Christ commands us to love one another. And so, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 8:13, “Therefore if food causes my brother to stumble, I will eat no meat forever more, that I don’t cause my brother to stumble. WEB” As Jesus taught, “Man does not libe by bread alone,” we live by the word of God, we live through him.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for every opportunity I have to spend time in prayer. Thank you for the truth of your holy word. Increase my understanding. Give me wisdom to live life in a way that does not cause others to stumble. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: His Love Endures Forever
