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Corinthians 8:1-12 (ESV) 1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that
“all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up.
2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he
ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. 4 Therefore, as
to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real
existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For although there may be
so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many
“lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things
and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all
things and through whom we exist. 7 However, not all possess this knowledge.
But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered
to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not
commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if
we do. 9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a
stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge
eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is
weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak
person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning
against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin
against Christ. Romans 1:18-23 (ESV) 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from
heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their
unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is
plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible
attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly
perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been
made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not
honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their
thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise,
they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images
resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 1
Corinthians 10:14 (ESV) 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 1
Corinthians 9:12 (ESV) 12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not
we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure
anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 1
Corinthians 1:19-23 (ESV) 19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of
the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 20 Where is
the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age?
Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom
of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the
folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs
and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block
to Jews and folly to Gentiles, Ephesians 4:1-2 (ESV) 1 I therefore, a
prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to
which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with
patience, bearing with one another in love, Philippians 2:1-5 (ESV) 1 So if
there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any
participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by
being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one
mind. 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more
significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own
interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among
yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, |
