1 CORINTHIANS 8 WE ARE FREE IN CHRIST

Transcription

1 1 CORINTHIANS 8 WE ARE FREE IN CHRIST

2 IDOLATRY IN THE ROMAN WORLD Religion was much more a part of life for the ancient world than ours The gods were involved in life, each day was full of ritual No live a normal life in the week, be religious on a special day Every aspect of life had a connection with a god

3 Monument of Trade guild devoted to Zeus, shows a banquet in the presence of Zeus, Apollo, & Artemis

4 FOOD OFFERED TO IDOLS Business meetings would be held in Temples Family celebrations would be held in Temples Social/political ceremonies would be held in Temples All involved food & the meat eaten would have been offered to god/goddess of that Temple Unused meat would be sold on in the market Highly likely that meat bought in the market would have offered to a god at some stage

5 FOOD OFFERED TO IDOLS Rich in the Church & the poor in the Church would have different problems concerning meat offered to idols The Rich would be more likely to have business meetings in Temples, or attend society events It is likely that they were arguing there was no problem - as they had the most to lose by not eating the food The poor could not afford to eat meat regularly, so the meat everybody ate at the great festivals might represent their only chance of the year to eat meat

6 SLOGANS IN 1 CORITHIANS There are many statements in the letter that Paul appears to be quoting It is thought that these statements were in the Church s letter to Paul, and Paul is quoting them back at them They are usually followed with a contrasting statement by Paul You say this, but I say this

7 SLOGANS IN 1 CORINTHIANS 1:12 - I follow Paul/Apollos/Cephas 8:4 - there is no God but one 6:12 - All things are lawful for me 11:13 - It is improper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered 6:13 - Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food 12:21 - We have no need of the lesser gifts 7:1 - It is good for a man to not have sexual relations with a woman 14:35 - for it is shameful for a woman to speak in Church 8:1 - all of us possess knowledge 15:35 - How are the dead raised? With 8:4 - an idol has no real existence what kind of body do they come?

8 FREEDOM TO EAT 8:1-3 - Now concerning Paul replying to a question/issue All of us possess knowledge How do they use that knowledge? to puff up or in love? 8:4-6 - an idol has no real existence, there is no God but one Their argument - ok to eat food offered to idols as they don t exist Food is offered to nothing Paul agrees

9 FREEDOM TO EAT 8:8-9 - we are no worse off if we do 8:7 - But not everyone gets this not eat, no better if we do For many idols are still real, to associate with them a sin Paul doesn t believe it would harm them Showing disloyalty to Christ But bigger issue - this freedom can be abused & can hurt others weak consciences - for them to eat would be a sin! They have a right to eat, but must be careful how they use that right

10 FREEDOM TO EAT 8: causing a weaker brother to stumble The freedom of the strong has hurt conscience of the weak If they eat and are seen by the weak - they may join you Sinning against your brother - sinning against Christ But after their consciences will 8:13 - Paul s conclusion condemn them If by eating a type of food I will They will have believed they have sinned cause my brother to stumble - I will never eat that food

11 THE BIG PICTURE 8: Yes you are free to eat - but do not let others stumble 9: Lay aside your freedom for the good of others 10:1-11:1 - Yes you are free to eat - but should you associate with idols?

12 PAUL S OWN FREEDOMS Paul gives an example of laying aside freedoms He was an Apostle, their Apostle Right to a wife Right to be paid He started the Church, he worked for it If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? But Paul & his team never claim these rights from Corinth They paid their own expenses They worked when they needed more All they did for the Church was a gift That is what they needed

13 LAYING ASIDE FREEDOMS Paul laid aside his rights for the good of Corinth The strong Corinthians should do the same Yes, they have every right to eat this food, but for the sake of the weaker among them they should lay aside this right

14 SHOULD THEY EAT? Paul returns to food offered to idols Looks at dangerous examples in the OT of Israelites associating with idolatry Paul s advice - flee from it! Yes, they are not real - but why even associate with them? Pagans believe. They are offering to demons not idols - why join them? All things are lawful - yes but not all things are helpful or build up the Church Paul s conclusion If you buy in the market - don t worry just eat If in someone s home - don t worry just eat But if you know it has been offered - don t eat For the sake of other s consciences - do not actively associate with idolatry

15 So, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God. Give no offence to Jews or to Greeks, or to the church of God, just as i try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1