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… (1 Corinthians 8:4-13): — Note — I. THAT THE MORAL OBLIGATIONS OF ALL MEN ARE DETERMINED BY THEIR RELATION TO THE ONE GOD AND HIS SON. There are many objects that men call gods, but they are really nothing; they therefore impose no moral obligation. 1. There is One, however, and only One, from your relation to whom there grows up all moral obligations. "One God." Monotheism is demonstrated by nature; conscience, and the Bible. (1) He is a Father. The Creator of the universe, but the Father of spirits. (2) He is the Source of all things. (3) He is our end. "We in" or "unto Him." The supreme end of our existence, and object of our love. 2. In connection with Him there is "One Lord Jesus Christ, who was not only His creative Agent, "by whom are all things," but His redemptive Agent, the Mediator, "and we by" or "through Him." As Christians, we are what we are through Him. 3. Now the wilt of this One God, as coming through Christ to us, we are morally bound to fulfil — an obligation which can never be abrogated or modified. II. THAT WHAT MIGHT BE WRONG FOR ONE MAN TO DO MIGHT NOT BE SO FOR ANOTHER. The apostle teaches that those who felt that an idol was nothing in the world, and that consequently there was no harm to them personally in eating meat offered to it, would commit no wrong in doing so. The meat had not been corrupted by that, and their consciences not being against it, there would be no wrong in eating it (ver. 8). On the other hand, those who had a superstitious idea that they ought not to eat it would commit wrong in doing so (ver. 7). That which is against a man's conscience may not be against the eternal law of right, but is against his own sense of right, and therefore should be avoided. Here is the principle, "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." "To him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin." Therefore, "let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." III. THAT TO OFFEND THE CONSCIENCE OF A GOOD MAN, HOWEVER WEAK, IS A WRONG IN ALL (ver. 9). Respect for the weak consciences of good men. 1. May require self-denial on our part. 2. Is urged on the strongest considerations. (1) The lack of it may inflict serious injuries on the weak. (a) It may "become a stumbling-block to them that are weak" — i.e., an occasion of sin. Their faith may be shaken, and they may become apostates. (b) They may be "emboldened," encouraged to do the wrong. Without your moral strength they will imitate you and will be ruined (ver. 10). (2) The lack of it is a sin both against the weak brethren and against Christ (ver. 12). 3. Is exemplified in the sublime resolve of the apostle (ver. 13). Here is benevolent expediency, the strongest ground on which the temperance reformation can be wisely and effectively advocated. Give up all rather than ruin souls. Such an utterance as this is characteristic of Paul (Romans 9:3). (D. Thomas, D. 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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