Believer’s freedom with regard to meat offered to Idols: Overview of 1 Cor. 8-10, Rev Dr John Kwasi Fosu

Amazing Grace Baptist Church Bible Study Material on 1 Cor. 8:1-3

Introduction

This study begins the section on Paul’s response to the issue of meat offered to idols giving us an overview of 1 Cor. 8-10.

Understanding the issue discussed in 1 Cor. 8-10

1 Cor. 8–10 deals with the Corinthian’s questions to Paul concerning meat offered to idols. This was a serious problem for them, especially since the church was composed of both Jews and Gentiles. The Jewish believers were anxious to avoid any contact with pagan idolatry.

The situation was that most of the meat in Corinth was slaughtered at the temples. The priest kept part of the meat, but the rest was used for private feasts or sold in the markets. In fact, sacrificial meat was sold at a cheaper price, making it that much more attractive to these poor believers. If a friend or neighbour invited a believer to a feast, it was likely that the meat had been dedicated to an idol. Should the believer participate in the feast? Would some demonic power be present in the meat and injure the believer? Would eating such meat defile the believer?

The basic situation is: Does a believer, because he is set free from the Law, have the right to live any way he pleases? There are many practices that we know from Scripture that are definitely wrong, but there are also many problems about which even believers disagree.

In these three chapters, Paul outlines the basic principles that should govern our lives when it comes to questionable things.

Here in chapter 8, he uses the example of Jesus and states that we must be controlled love so as not to cause others to stumble (see Matthew 17:24-27).  In chapter 9, Paul uses himself as an example, pointing out that it is not necessary for believers to use their rights in order to be happy. Paul laid aside even his legitimate rights in order to serve the Lord.

In chapter 10, Paul uses the example of Israel to warn believers about arrogant sins, particularly those connected with idolatry and immorality.

The Example of Jesus (1 Cor. 8)

We can look at the way Jesus lived and what he taught.  From Jesus’ life, Paul gives us four admonitions to follow in discerning right and wrong in the area of questionable things. 1 Cor. 8:1-3 focuses on Paul’s admonition that the Corinthians are to consider their attitudes.

The Admonition to Consider Your Own Attitude (8:1-3)

Too often, strong believers who know the Bible are prone to be “puffed up” when they deal with weaker believers. Paul admits here, as well as in Romans 14, that some believers are strong in faith and mature, while others are weak and have legalistic views of the believer’s life.  “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up!”    (verse 1). In fact, the man who thinks he knows everything is admitting that he knows nothing! Paul is not encouraging us to be “ignorant brethren,” but rather is warning us that a proud attitude is not Jesus-like.  Knowledge must be balanced with love — love for God and for our brethren. We must not judge one another or reject one another (Romans 14:4-12).

Conclusion

This study has focused on surveying the overview of 1 Cor. 8-10.  Following Paul’s admonition in 1 Cor 8:1-3, believers who claim to be strong in faith are called upon not to be arrogant in dealing with other believers who they think are weak in faith. For such a lifestyle is not Jesus-like.