1 Corinthians 8

Monday, 18 August 2014

But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. 1 Corinthians 8:3

This verse completes the parenthetical phrase which began in 8:1. In this, one might expect Paul to say, “But if anyone loves God, that person knows Him.” However, this would only lead to more ego within an already puffed up church. It is possible to know God in a general sense, but it is impossible for a finite man to know the infinite God in His fullness. And so he uses the passive “is known by Him” rather than the active “knows Him.” He states the same type of thought in 2 Timothy 2:19 – “The Lord knows those who are His…”

Such nuances in communication  are essential to recognize. An important thought which requires understanding the nuance of what is being said is found in 1 John 4:8 –

“He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

John says that “God is love” but this cannot be turned around to say “love is God.” There is a definite article in front of God – “the God.” God is not limited to love, but it is a definition of His character that we can understand. Again, Paul uses this same type of wording in Galatians 4:9 as when he says, “But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God…” It is true that the Galatians (and the Corinthians) “know God” but it is only in a limited way.

Understanding this then we can then apply what Paul is relaying to the context of the rest of the parenthetical statement. He is using what is known as a metalepsis for us to grasp his intent. A metalepsis is a figure of speech in which a word or a phrase is used in a new context. A good example of this is, “I need to go and catch a worm tomorrow.” This leads to the common expression that “The early bird catches the worm.” This means to get an early start on the day and thus to be successful in whatever endeavor is intended. The subject “I” in the first phrase is compared to the subject “early bird” in the next.

He is substituting “love” with “knowledge” in order to show that love is the principle thought in that which edifies. In our love of God, we are “known by Him.” Such should be the case in our love of others then. The main subject of this chapter is “food sacrificed to idols” as mentioned in verse 1. We can have completely accurate knowledge about the subject and yet err in our handling of it. If we fail to act in love towards others (who have less knowledge than we do) in the use of our knowledge, then we will fall short of what God expects.

As Barnes notes on this topic, “…a man should not be guided in his contact with others by mere knowledge, however great that may be; but that a safer and better principle was ‘love, charity,’ … whether exercised toward God or man. Under the guidance of this, man would be in little danger of error. Under the direction of mere knowledge he would never be sure of a safe guide.”

It was important for Paul to include this parenthesis at the beginning in order to establish the truth that knowledge is no substitute for love, but love mixed with knowledge is necessary to complete the picture in the guidance he will present.

Life application: The subtle nuances of how words are used in Scripture are important to pay attention to. When we grasp what is being relayed, we can then act on the matter appropriately. Love is necessary when exhibiting knowledge on a matter in order to ensure that the weaker in knowledge isn’t further weakened in his faith. Having said this, no matter how delicately one handles an issue, people will almost always find offense in religious and political dialogue. Eventually, one can “love” another to the point where nothing at all can be said. This is a trap the Christian must also avoid.

Heavenly Father, I am very passionate about Your word, including the right application of every detail. I’m also passionate about other things, such as politics, adhering to set laws, etc. Because of how I perceive these things, I am zealous to express my beliefs, but I would ask that You help me to exercise what I believe in a charitable yet firm way. Give me the ability to balance right thoughts with amiability towards others, but without giving up on an inch of what is right in Your eyes. This is surely a gift which can only come from You, and so I ask for such wisdom today. Amen.

Sunday, 17 August 2014

And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 1 Corinthians 8:2

Paul now introduces a thought directly related to what he said in verse 1. In that verse, he said, “We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” It is true that everyone has a certain amount of knowledge, but for some having knowledge is believed to be an end in and of itself. They suppose the mere knowledge is a ticket to understanding everything that is necessary to control one’s life and one’s surroundings.

However, knowledge without a moral compass has led to many millions killed in war, to the falling of nations, to the subjugation of others, and to a complete lack of true goodness in the world. “If anyone thinks they know anything” then is speaking of the person who is satisfied with the head knowledge in the book, but feels there is nothing more which is needed.

In the case of the Bible, Paul would be speaking to the theologian who understood all of the mechanical aspects of the word – knowing Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek; understanding the historical background of what the writers were relaying; grasping the literary forms found within the writings; etc. Such a person may feel that he has conquered the Bible and is therefore above those around him who are less educated. However, such a person may know “nothing yet as he ought to know.”

God is certainly far more pleased with the uneducated high-school dropout who finds a heartfelt relationship with Christ than that stuffy professor who has never humbled himself at the foot of the cross. All of the knowledge in the world won’t get a person one inch closer to salvation without the heart accompanying that knowledge. Only when that increased knowledge is accompanied by faith does it take on its true purpose. As we grow in understanding, we should also grow in glorifying God, empathizing with those around us, walking in love with others, and applying the Bible to our every step. This is wisdom then – the correct application of knowledge toward the things of God.

Life application: If your heart is right with Christ, you are in the sweetest spot of all. Don’t feel your walk with the Lord is lacking just because your level of knowledge is minimal. You will learn as you study, but you will do it on the wise path of mixing your knowledge with your love of the Lord.

Knowing everything about the Bible is a good thing, we know
But without love, just what good is that knowledge to us?
So what if I know Hebrew and Greek and put on linguistic show
How much closer does that get me to Jesus?

I could know every detail of every story found in this book
And when someone cited it wrong, I could make a giant fuss
But if I never open up my heart and take a good look
How could I expect to be pleasing to Jesus?

Instead, the heartfelt faith of a child is such an important thing
Walking humbly with the Lord should be the goal of each of us
When we speak, of the Lord our voices should ring
I know that these will surely bring a smile to my Lord, Jesus

Lord, I love Your word and all that it contains. I delight in every detail and subtle nuance that can be gleaned from it. But I also know that as I learn more, I need to put my knowledge into practice and into a desire to share it with others in a way which brings You glory. If I have all the knowledge in the world, but don’t back it up with love for You and others, it is ultimately wasted. So Lord, humble my heart and help me to apply my knowledge in love. Amen.

Saturday, 16 August 2014

Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 1 Corinthians 8:1

Paul now begins a new line of question answering, specifically that of “things offered to idols.” The Corinthians had written him about various subjects and Paul is addressing them based on his comment of verse 7:1 which said, “Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me…” With the items of chapter 7 complete, chapter 8 takes on this subject and it will consume the entire chapter which consists of just 13 verses.

The reason for their question and Paul’s response should be obvious. Under the Mosaic Law, there were special dietary restrictions which applied to the faithful. They were extremely strict and they formed an important distinction between being a Jew and being a Gentile. The issue is addressed in the book of Acts, in Galatians, and elsewhere as well. In those accounts, what is relayed shows the immense importance of the matter for those in the new faith found in Christianity.

Unfortunately, as clearly as the issue of “foods” is explained in the New Testament, many have failed to heed the words and have fallen back on the Old Testament law in varying measure instead of relying on the grace of Christ. They again impose burdens which were set aside in the work of the Lord and place themselves under unnecessary bondage. Even Peter was found to fail in this regard and Paul had to correct him on the truth of the gospel.

If certain dietary restrictions were to arise within Christianity, we would find ourselves bound under a legalistic situation similar to the Levitical laws and thus we would be found attempting to obtain God’s favor through works once again. The strong view concerning foods then is that all foods are acceptable and that any process of obtaining and eating those foods is unimportant.

However, there is more to the issue than merely denying “works” in order to be justified. There is the issue of conscience and knowledge which Paul will address in a wise and clearly-stated manner. As the Pulpit Commentary notes about this verse –

“His liberality of thought shows itself in this – that he sides with those who took the strong, the broad, the common sense view, that sin is not a mechanical matter, and that sin is not committed where no sin is intended. He neither adopts the ascetic view nor does he taunt the inquirers with the fact that the whole weight of their personal desires and interests would lead them to decide the question in their own favour. On the other hand, he has too deep a sympathy with the weak to permit their scruples to be overruled with a violence which would wound their consciences. While he accepts the right principle of Christian freedom, he carefully guards against its abuse.”

And so in order to show that there is, in fact, a contrast between conscience and knowledge and that both need to be harmoniously considered, he immediately introduces a parenthetical comment which begins with, “We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” Just because someone may have knowledge doesn’t mean that their actions are appropriate. In essence, “Yes, I have knowledge that I can eat all foods, but how does that knowledge affect those around me? If it affects them in a negative manner by harming their conscience, then am I acting in love towards them?”

Additionally, Paul notes that “knowledge puffs up.” In other words, having knowledge can lead me to being prideful in my knowledge which will inevitably lead to sin. He is returning to the metaphor he used in chapter 5 where “leaven” or “yeast” is used to make bread rise. The leaven is a picture of sin infecting our lives. As we sin, we become puffed up in our actions. Just because we have knowledge of a particular subject, it doesn’t mean that it is right to use that knowledge if it will harm others. Instead, he states the contrasting truth that “love edifies.”

He will continue his parenthetical thought in the next two verses before returning to the main line of reasoning. In this then, he is demonstrating wisdom in how he approaches this subject. He will hold the line on the truth that we are free in Christ from all such restrictions that they have asked about, but we are not free to exercise that freedom while allowing others to be harmed in the process. Where there is doubt or misunderstanding, there needs to be instruction in the word of God. Once this is accomplished, then we can exercise our freedoms with a clear conscience.

Life application: It is not true that we have to avoid anything that others find offensive. In such a case, Christians wouldn’t be Christians at all because the message of the cross is an offense; the truth that hell is real is an offense; and the truth that the only way to avoid hell is to be saved through the cross of Christ is certainly offensive. However, instruction on these (and all other points of doctrine) need to be explained. It would make no sense to say “You are going to hell” to a pagan without explaining why. Likewise, it is right to explain our freedoms in Christ to weaker Christians by opening the word and providing right instruction. After that, if they remain offended by what we eat or where we eat, it would be unreasonable to not go eat. Their offense has been explained in love and therefore there is no longer an obligation to refrain from acting in accord with the freedoms we are granted.

Heavenly Father, I want to thank You for the freedoms which are found in Christ. I know that the foods I eat cannot affect my walk with You. But I also know that they may affect a weaker brother who lacks proper knowledge in our freedoms. And so Lord, give me the wisdom to lead him to the truth of Your word in love. Help me to be responsible in my actions so that You will be glorified and my brother will be edified. Amen.