Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 8
1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
The Corinthians had a unique situation. Many of them had come from idol worshipping background. In the temples of the idols, animals were sacrificed to the pagan gods and then worshippers ate the meat of the animals as an act of worship. When they got saved, they realized that those were no gods at all and there is only one God. However, some of them continued to eat the sacrificed meat knowing that it meant nothing. However, for some weak believers, they still superstitiously believed that the pagan gods were ‘lesser gods’ to be appeased by sacrifices as well.
Paul’s point in this chapter is that liberty can cause others who do not understand to ‘stumble’ and could actually be a hindrance to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 8:9-10 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols.
In other words a weak person who is either a young believer or one who has not yet trusted in Christ might see you in the temple eating. He might think that you are doing it as an act of worship. This might make him think that you believe there are ‘lesser gods’ to be appeased and continue his practice. He might also think that since you as a follower of Jesus are doing the same thing he is doing that he does not need to trust in Christ.
Do you and I face similar situations today? I think we do. What about the person who used to drink alcohol but now still goes to the night club to ‘hang out with friends’? This person says they have liberty to be there. Others there see this person and think that there is no difference between a Christian and themselves. This person has just become a stumbling block by saying they have liberty.
1 Corinthians 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
The apostle says he will abstain in order to keep from being a stumbling block.
What about children who are influenced by you? Jesus said:
Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Help the weak; don’t hinder them by your lifestyle.
In Christ,
Rody
