SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
OBSERVATION:
Maybe this is a possible reason for why Paul had Timothy circumcised, to not mislead the weaker Jewish believers (Acts 16:1-3).
Paul is saying that our knowledge about God and grace should not lead us to act in a way that gets in the way of the newborn believers. Just because something is right, doesn’t mean we should always do it, if doing it means confusing or leading others astray.
The main point of this passage is ”that the exercise of your freedom (should) not become a stumbling block to the weak (v.9).
Paul is even willing to give up his right to eat all meat, if it will help a newborn believer – but he would only do this at the beginning, until he showed them the truth, he didn’t change or silence his beliefs, he just was patient in teaching them.
APPLICATION:
This passage reminds me to be clear on what I believe, and to be careful in how I communicate those beliefs.
For example, if I believe that it is not required for people to dress up for church…
I need to be clear on what the Bible teaches and what I believe, and
I should not dress down to make my point, but first come to them (dressed up) and gently, patiently teach them what the Bible says.
Only after I have gently, patiently taught them am I free to live out in my freedom; if I had to permanently modify all my practices to keep people happy, I would become a slave to their opinions.
PRAYER:
Lord, I am free from being a people-pleaser, yet I need to be sensitive to the needs and hurts of those around me. Help me to live my new life in You in a way that helps others find You, not in a way that causes others to fall away from You. Amen.
This passage reminds me of Corinthians 13 – I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. As far as it depends upon me, I need to live at peace with all mankind. My ego, my knowledge , my way of doing things may not get in the way of other Christians. At times, the freedom I have in Christ to do all things according to His Word is too confining, too limited, since it is according to my interpetation of His Word.
We live for Jesus. Emmanuel – God with us and in Him -Corinthians 9:22 states – To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. All of this is done for the advance of His Word – that they may know Christ. I may not be the stumbling block of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
In my living for Jesus I need to practice the JOY principle always. Jesus Christ is first and foremost, OTHERS are second and come before me, and YOURSELF (I) am always in last place. Help me Lord on my Way.