I Corinthians 7, Christian Liberty

 

I Corinthians 7 – Christian Liberty

Paul is discussing with the Corinthians whether they should eat meat that was sacrificed to idols. Animal sacrifice was a big part of their culture in those days. Only part of the meat was used for the sacrifice, the remainder of the meat was used in different ways. Some were used in feasts at the temple and served to the public. Some were sold at the butcher shop in the marketplace. Some was served in homes in honor of their pagan gods. Paul did not answer their questions by laying down rules. Instead, he laid down principles that would take them closer to eternity. These Corinthians thought they were full of knowledge, yet Paul made it clear that the most knowledgeable were not aware of what was needed. Paul spoke of love not being puffed up. That the Love of God was first and foremost. He spoke of the idols being nothing but what man makes them out to be. He clarified that there is only one true God who is our Father, and one Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. To some of the Corinthians, eating meat sacrificed to idols didn’t mean anything to them since the idol itself was meaningless. To others, it bothered their conscience when they ate it, so they felt it was not right to eat it. Paul explained to them that eating the meat did not affect their relationship with God, but on the same token they should consider their brother and not cause another to stumble. If one brother convinced another to eat the meat, even when his conscience said no, and he ate, then the brother caused the other to stumble. When we sin against our brother, we also sin against Christ. Paul himself, having persecuted Christians knew the full meaning of this. This can be applied to our life through alcohol. Some Christians may think it alright to socially drink and convince another to do so also, even though he does not agree. His influence can be damaging to the one who is talked into doing what his conscience tells him not to do. The principle of Christian love is the only solution to this and many other problems. There are problems much more serious than eating meat sacrificed to idols. As Christians we must strive to love and not encourage others to do something that might bother their conscience.

 

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