New Testament in a Year

1 Corinthians 8:1-13
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Paul’s teachings today about food sacrificed to idols in First Corinthians chapter 8 should be considered along with chapter 10 verses 14 through 22.  In particular check out 10:19-21 – “Do I mean then that a sacrifice offered to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything?  No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.  You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”  Food sacrificed to idols was a major issue for Christians in Corinth to consider, so they wrote Paul asking about this issue.  Paul in chapter 8 hones in on the point that even though it may mean nothing to eat meat sacrificed to idols – which are nothing – it may mean a lot to some and cause some to stumble.  Then in chapter 10 Paul hones in on the point that sacrifices to idols are really sacrifices to demons.  This all makes me think about are world today.  As Christians, in our freedom in Christ many things are permissible.  But not all things are beneficial – to ourselves or to others that see us participating in some activities.  So, are there any areas of your life where perhaps you are participating in worldly activities that really don’t mean anything – they’re okay in our freedom – but that perhaps could cause others to stumble in some way?  Or, perhaps those activities could even cause you to stumble if you’re not careful?  Will you leave these activities by the wayside?  Related to that activity, would you be willing to say as Paul did in First Corinthians chapter 8 verse 13: “So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.”

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in First Corinthians titled “The Great Divorce – Separating Truth From Love” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the wonderful Crowder/Maverick City song “God Really Loves Us:”

Do you believe that God really loves you? Click here and receive God’s love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that the exercise of your freedom on Christ does not become a stumbling block to weaker brothers and sisters. Pray that your life and actions grow brothers and sisters to be more godly in character and lifestyle.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

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