1 + 2 Corinthians | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsSample

1 CORINTHIANS 8

SHOW HUMILITY TO THOSE WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING

Paul addresses concerns regarding eating food sacrificed to false idols. For believers who know that there is only one God, they are free to eat the food of these false idols without being blasphemous or unrighteous.

Because they know the idols are not truly God, they are free to eat the food. Regardless, Paul encourages them to abstain from eating the sacrificed foods if they are around others who do not yet understand the faith. Although they are not doing anything wrong, they do not want to confuse others or appear as though they are worshippers of both God and idols. Paul is not concerned with the meat itself, but more concerned about believers causing other believers confusion.

Paul states that while knowledge inflates someone, love builds them up. Instead of being prideful in their wisdom and understanding, Paul urges them to be loving and sacrificial towards others.

STUDY QUESTIONS

In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul gave instructions for eating food related to idols. Although this exact situation does not occur today, how can faithful believers avoid causing confusion for non-believers or new believers?