1 Corinthians 8:4-7 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world… I. IN ITS GENERAL HISTORY. Notice — 1. The awful principle in which it originated (Romans 1:28) — aversion to God. But the knowledge of its origin may direct as to the means of its overthrow. Nothing in earth or heaven can effectually overcome it but the power and grace of Christ; not force of arms nor power of reasoning. 2. The degraded objects to which it was outwardly paid (Psalm 115.; Romans 1.). Surely, then, those who worship them demand our pity, our prayers, and our exertions for their reclamation. 3. The infernal spirit to whom it was really directed (1 Corinthians 10:20). 4. The amazing wealth and power by which it has hitherto been upheld. Talk we of the magnificence of some of the churches of Christendom. Think of the temple of Diana at Ephesus. Let rich Christians, who have it in their power to do so much for the propagation of their religion, but who do so little, let them turn to Isaiah 46:6, and learn a lesson of liberality worthy of a better cause. II. IN THAT PARTICULAR VIEW PRESENTED IN THE TEXT. The objector to missionary exertions may possibly be ready to say that if an idol be nothing, there is no need of the efforts, sacrifices, and prayers on which you have been insisting. How slightly he must have considered the matter who does not perceive that this very fact furnishes one of the strongest grounds of appeal on behalf of the unenlightened heathen! If an idol is nothing it follows — 1. That the religious offerings of idolaters have not only been useless, but an abomination. 2. That the very religion of idolaters has promoted the honour and glory of Satan. 3. That the dying prayers of idolaters have been a delusion and a lie. (T. Mortimer, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. |
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