Verse of the Day 3/16

Verse of the Day 3/16

1 Corinthians 8:2-3

English Standard Version

2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.

Our men's Bible study group reviewed this chapter this past week.  Today's verses are easily overlooked but come in the middle of a "church" argumnent or discsussion over food which had been sacrificed to idols.  The topic itself is not something that would be given much consideration today, however, you could insert any number of other situations being "discussed" within the church such as what kind of music should be used, should pastors wear robes, and the list goes on.  There are always people who want to be or feel that they are "in the know", and feel that their opinions are right and not up for debate.

The Apostle Paul cuts to the chase here and points out what is important and it is not being the "leading authority" on the subject of the day. It is to love God and God will know them.  That is what matters. How do we love God?  By getting to know Him in His Word, communicating with Him in prayer, following the promptings of the Holy Spirit as you do so, and showing Christlike love to others.

Love is strong and love is kind

Love will go the extra mile

It ain't scared to pay the price

Love will always sacrifice

Walking up the hill that stood before Him

Carrying that cross to bear our shame

If I could ask Him why He was laying down His life

I know that I would hear my Jesus say

Love is the reason, love is the reason

Yeah, love is the reason that I go

I'll give my life for what I believe in

That's where my heart is leading

And love is the reason that I go

Oh, love is the reason that I go.   (Love is the Reaon - Mac Powell)

If you read the chapter below, you will see that winning an argument is not the most important thing, it may actually be a stumbling block.

1 Corinthians 8:9

English Standard Version

9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

1 Corinthians 8

English Standard Version

Food Offered to Idols

8 Now concerning[a] food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.[b]

4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one." 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating[c] in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged,[d] if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.