5/6/10 1 Corinthians 8 & 9
Love puts Others First
In chapter 8 Paul addresses a doctrinal issue that arose about eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols. During Paul’s day animals were sacrificed to idols and there were some in the Corinthian church that had correct knowledge that there is no such thing as an idol so they were free to eat any meat. Paul indicates that they are right but they can use their knowledge in such a way that is actually sinful because it is contrary to love of others. Paul’s point is you may be technically right in your freedom to eat meat offered to idols, but if in the process you cause a weaker brother to stumble then you have sinned against the brother and Christ (1 Cor 8:12-13).
In chapter 9 Paul uses himself as an example of someone who has a right, but chooses not to exercise that right. Paul states that he has a right to eat and drink as he desires, but he puts other first. He has the right to take along a believing wife. He has the right to earn his living from knowing, preaching, and living the gospel. But Paul put others first as an act of love so that he may win them to Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:19 (NASB95)19For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.
So we must remember that love rather than knowledge is the key to ministering to others. We may differ in some areas of doctrine, but we must continue in love. We are to follow Paul’s example of disciplining himself to put others first so they may be one to Christ. We must never insist on our rights at the expense of others.
Prayer: Father give me the love for others that Paul had so that I may by my love win them to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. Give me continued encouragement as I give up some rights that I am entitled to. Give me a strong and mature faith that sees the eternal values to be pursed rather than earthly values and pleasure, in Jesus name. Amen.