Idols & Arrogance - 1 Cor. 8

Introduction:
In the first part of 1 Corinthians Paul addressed specific problems he had heard about from the house of Chloe. Beginning in chapter 7, Paul begins to answer questions specifically addressed to him. In chapter 8, Paul answers a question about eating meat offered to idols. This was a serious question to those who were Gentiles & had just come out of idolatry. Today’s lesson can also have additional insight for us today who are more likely to have our idols parked in our driveway, in our homes, and in our bank accounts.

I. 8:1-3—It’s Fitting that Paul begins with an attitude warning.
    A. It’s often our attitude rather than our actions that govern our life.
    B. When dealing with disputes questions: must be slow, aware of arrogance.
        1. 8:1—knowledge puffs up—but love edifies.
        2. 8:2—there are signs revealing attitude problems.
        3. 8:3—there is an attitude of God that we ought to be cultivating.

II. 8:4-13—The Trouble of Knowledge.
    A. 8:4-6—those who had knowledge were right—idols have no existence.
        1. 8:7—but not all understood this! Result: their consciences defiled!
        2. 8:8—food will not make one better/worse with God. See Mt. 15:16-20
    B. 8:9-11—our knowledge of right can lead others into wrong!
        1. One may put your example above their own conscience & then sin!
        2. 8:11—they would cause a brother to perish! See also Rom. 14:23
    C. 8:12—to lead another to sin against their conscience is to commit sin ourselves!
        1. By one act, a person can commit spiritual homicide & suicide.
         2. Are we looking at our actions? Are we overlooking others?
        3. 8:13—sacrificing our liberties may help us save others!

III. What is here for us?
    A. We need to be concerned for others—especially brethren! Mt. 25:35-36, 40
    B. Rom. 14:1—requires patience—people on different levels of understanding!
    C. Not good to operate from knowledge only! Where’s the love here?
        1. We’re not lawyers! Rather we are servants.
        2. Acting from love/concern commendable!
    D. 1 Jhn. 3:18—love not only in word—but in deed & truth.
        1. Concern is great—but we need to show it!
        2. How can I put forth a good example?
        3. Cards, visits, phone, food, money, help, sympathy, listening, encouragement.
    E. Involves study, growth, seeking out fellowship & strength.

Conclusion:
A. How’s your attitude? On justifying self? Demanding your rights?
B. Or is it a separate attitude of concern for others, lifting up, helping, etc?

Special thanks to Carl McMurray who contributed to parts of this outline.



Idols & Arrogance - 1 Cor. 8 Introduction: In the first part of 1 Corinthians Paul addressed specific problems he had heard about from the house of Chloe. Beginning in chapter 7, Paul begins to answer questions specifically addressed to him. In chapter 8, Paul answers a question about eating meat offered to idols. This was a serious question to those who were Gentiles & had just come out of idolatry. Today’s lesson can also have additional insight for us today who are more likely to have our idols parked in our driveway, in our homes, and in our bank accounts. I. 8:1-3—It’s Fitting that Paul begins with an attitude warning. A. It’s often our attitude rather than our actions that govern our life. B. When dealing with disputes questions: must be slow, aware of arrogance. 1. 8:1—knowledge puffs up—but love edifies. 2. 8:2—there are signs revealing attitude problems. 3. 8:3—there is an attitude of God that we ought to be cultivating. II. 8:4-13—The Trouble of Knowledge. A. 8:4-6—those who had knowledge were right—idols have no existence. 1. 8:7—but not all understood this! Result: their consciences defiled! 2. 8:8—food will not make one better/worse with God. See Mt. 15:16-20 B. 8:9-11—our knowledge of right can lead others into wrong! 1. One may put your example above their own conscience & then sin! 2. 8:11—they would cause a brother to perish! See also Rom. 14:23 C. 8:12—to lead another to sin against their conscience is to commit sin ourselves! 1. By one act, a person can commit spiritual homicide & suicide. 2. Are we looking at our actions? Are we overlooking others? 3. 8:13—sacrificing our liberties may help us save others! III. What is here for us? A. We need to be concerned for others—especially brethren! Mt. 25:35-36, 40 B. Rom. 14:1—requires patience—people on different levels of understanding! C. Not good to operate from knowledge only! Where’s the love here? 1. We’re not lawyers! Rather we are servants. 2. Acting from love/concern commendable! D. 1 Jhn. 3:18—love not only in word—but in deed & truth. 1. Concern is great—but we need to show it! 2. How can I put forth a good example? 3. Cards, visits, phone, food, money, help, sympathy, listening, encouragement. E. Involves study, growth, seeking out fellowship & strength. Conclusion: A. How’s your attitude? On justifying self? Demanding your rights? B. Or is it a separate attitude of concern for others, lifting up, helping, etc? *Special thanks to Carl McMurray who contributed to parts of this outline.*