1 Corinthians Chapter 8 concerns how we should use the liberty that we have as Christians. In this first part of this chapter (today’s Scripture), it introduces the subject example of eating things sacrificed to idols, but this first part does not specifically answer the question of whether or not we can eat things sacrificed to idols. Today’s Scripture is more general.
Today’s Scripture provides the general motivations that we should have.
First, the answer (as to how we should use the liberty that we have as Christians) is not just provided by knowledge. “Knowledge makes arrogant“. See verse 1. In other words, just because we know that we can do something does not necessarily mean that we should do it. “If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2.
Second, “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 Simply but powerfully, “love edifies“. See verse 1. We should be motivated by our love for others rather than just by selfish love for ourselves. “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” Romans 14:19.
Third, above all, we “exist for God”. Our foremost motivation for how we should use our liberty is “God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.” See verse 6.
In summary, “And He (Jesus) said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’” Matthew 22:37-38.
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