"Now concerning food offered to idols..." (8:1) introduces another subject about which the church at Corinth wrote to the Apostle Paul. Although the specific subject is not much of an issue in the Western world (as it would be in places like India), the principles of chapters 8,9, and 10 apply to all cultures in every time period. It is important to note that Paul is not writing about black and white issues. Some things/actions are always wrong-murder, adultery, theft. Some things/actions are always right-loving God, loving others, giving to the needy. These chapters are written about matters over which Christians honestly disagree. In our passage today, Paul establishes the principle of love limits liberty.
Love chooses to build up rather than puff up.
Love chooses to give up rather than trip up.
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Ephesians 4:15-16
1 Corinthians 13:4
Romans 14:3
Romans 16:23
Identify areas that could cause a weaker brother to trip up and lovingly limit your liberty.
