Not Through Knowledge But Through Love

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

From the passage, we understand the Corinthian church was diverse in its ethnic profile and ideologies. These differences fueled with arrogance and stubbornness led to division in the church of Corinth. Similarly, we can see how differences in culture and tradition can potentially lead to tension in modern day churches and at ANF. The passage specifically addresses the topic of eating food offered to idols. Although there could be nothing biblically wrong with eating food offered to idols, Christians with a weak spirit may see eating food offered to an idol as a stumbling block.

So how can Christians navigate differences in the church?

The sermon addresses 3 main points:

• Let’s not judge others by our knowledge.

  • It is so easy to judge others based on our understanding of the bible.

  • Before we judge, it is important to discern if an issue is a matter of right or wrong or just a difference in understanding.

  • If it is an issue of right or wrong, we can take a side; however, many issues are a matter of difference in understanding. In these situations, we should not judge others by our own knowledge.

• Let’s act not by knowledge.

  • What does it look like to act by my own knowledge?

  • From verse 1, we read that knowledge “puffs up.” When we act by knowledge, we become arrogant and condescending. Eventually we replace God with ourselves at the center.

  • Someone who acts by knowledge looks down on others and thinks they are above them.

  • The Corinthian church saw increasing division as many of its members acted by knowledge. So if not by knowledge, how should we act?

• Let’s act by love.

  • The bible does not say it is wrong to eat food offered to idols. Therefore as Christians, we have the freedom to eat the food offered to idols. Although we have this freedom, we can act by love and choose to refrain from eating the food offered to idols for the sake of others who are weak mentally, spiritually, physically, etc.

  • If our freedom makes others stumble in their faith, then we can choose not to exercise our freedom.

  • So then is it okay for Christians to drink alcohol? Christians should not drink to the point of drunkenness or loss of control; however, the bible does not say Christians should not drink alcohol.

  • Imagine if you saw Pastor Daniel drinking with his fellow pastor friends at a bar and then preaching in front of you the following Sunday. You would probably think there is something wrong and question Pastor Daniel. Although Pastor Daniel had no biblical wrongdoing in drinking alcohol, his action would have caused someone to stumble in their faith. In this case, Pastor Daniel can act in love by refraining from drinking for the sake of others who may stumble.

As we reflect on this sermon, let’s think about how we can refrain from judging others by our knowledge and instead acting by love.

Reflection Questions:

1. How can you “act by love” in your own life?

2. When have you judged others by knowledge? How did you feel?

3. What are some main takeaways from this week’s message?