Paul addresses the same issues he writes about here in Chapter 7 and 8 in his letters to Timothy, warning his against those who forbid marriage and enjoin abstinence from foods which GOD created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by GOD is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, in 1Timothy 4:3-4. These issues were obviously controversial at the time. Paul also warned of the coming delusions and distortions of this gospel, just as they had done with Israel; because of a hardness of heart, that causes lack of trust and unbelief. All this to create an apostate church or religion, of religious form. The word religion itself means to bind as in, to hinder one from advancement.
In my study Bibles the next chapter has two titles, one being, "Food Offered to Idols," the other being, "Take Care with Your Liberty." Okay, lets see what is said and then decide for our selves.
1Corinthians 8:1-3 "Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him." (KJV)
1Corinthians 8:1-3 "Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God." (ESV)
1Corinthians 8:1-3 "You have also asked me questions about whether believers are free to eat food offered to idols. We are free to hold to our own convictions about what to eat and what not to eat; but ultimately it is not about who wins the diet debate, but about sincerely loving people. Let love define your convictions and not mere head knowledge. Loving GOD (and your fellow human) is so easy when you understand that he knows you! Let GOD's knowledge of you inspire your love for him and your fellow humans." (The Mirror)
1Corinthians 8:4-6 "As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many), But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him." (KJV)
1Corinthians 8:4-6 "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." For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"— 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." (ESV)
1Corinthians 8:4-6 "By making a fuss about eating food offered to idols gives idol undue prominence; they are nothing so why make something out of nothing! We know that there is only one GOD and that he has no competition! There is a lot of loss talk about other gods and demonic powers operating on earth as well as in the heavenly realm; obviously they seem to be empowered by people's belief in them and conversations about them; so there seem to be many gods "lording" it over people. This does not make them competition to GOD; we know that for us there is only one GOD who is the source and resource of all things; there is only one authority, the Lord Jesus Christ. All things exist because of him; we owe our very being to him. He alone gives context and reference to our lives." (The Mirror)
There now we have covered two thoughts or paragraphs here. We shall, the LORD willing finish this chapter in our next visit. Until then may the LORD GOD watch over you and yours.
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