Godly Discernment
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 8:1-7 (NASB)
Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. 2 If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; 3 but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.
4 Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.
7 However not all men have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
SUMMARY
Paul clarifies the dispute about consuming the food that was offered to idols as it confused and stumbled some Christians in Corinth. First, he reminds us that love, not knowledge, strengthens and edifies the church and the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes. Although there may be many so-called “gods” and “lords” both in heaven and on earth, Paul says that we all know that an idol is not really a god and there is only one God — the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live and that there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live. But some Christians had weak consciences and did not know this truth and were conflicted with this issue with food sacrificed to idols.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
Honestly, this passage was a bit confusing to me at first as to whether Paul was allowing Corinthian Christians to eat the food that was sacrificed to idols or not. After studying the whole chapter 8 over and over again, I finally understood what he was saying overall. But for this first part of chapter 8, Paul is telling us that our love for God and a clear conscience/discernment for truth is above knowledge, which makes us arrogant. And he emphasized that there is only one God and that there is no such thing as an idol (such as the Roman emperor, Roman gods and goddesses), so eating food that was sacrificed to “non-existent” gods was permitted for the Christians with clear consciences, but doing so could influence other Christians with weaker consciences and faith. Eating or not eating food sacrificed to idols does not make a person better or less important in the eyes of God; this is what the weak did not understand.
Even though these affluent Corinthian Christians accepted the gospel, some were heavily influenced by many idols of the world like superstitions, wealth, job or success, more than God. And those idols stumbled some early Christians in their walk of faith and pulled them away from God. Do we also have idols in our hearts and lives that we put above God?
APPLICATION
Yes, unfortunately, I do have idols in my life. Time after time, I catch myself unintentionally idolizing, among many things, my family, especially my children. I often tell them that God is first and they are second to me, but I feel like I am not being honest in my actual actions. Although I am conscious of it and truly strive to let go of idolizing and prioritizing my family, I often struggle to fully surrender ALL to God. My family is a generous and gracious gift from God, so putting the gift above the Person who gave the gift is obviously wrong and disrespectful. I should be grateful for all things I have which came from God, the Lord and Savior of my life, but never to idolize them. I truly yearn to get rid of worldly idols and fleshly desires of my life. I desire to fix my eyes upon what matters the most — love for the Lord and seeking and living according to His will and calling for my life. I am a weak sinner and that’s why I need my Redeemer Jesus more than ever. “He has said to me (Paul), “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Lord Jesus, replace my worldly weaknesses with Your heavenly strength and power.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for the truth today that there is only You as our God who reigns over everything You created, including myself, and that therefore there should be no other gods and idols in my life. Abba Father, forgive my weaknesses and set me free from the idols of this world that are taking over my heart. I seek You and desire Your loving and powerful presence over my life. Help me to fix my gaze upon You only. May You grant me true wisdom, unconditional love for everyone, and godly discernment so that I can live a life that is pleasing to only You, my Lord and Savior. I thank You and pray all this in the precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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