Truth must be combined with love and grace. This only possible through Christ.
1 Corinthians 8: Food Offered to Idols
1 Now concerning 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.
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 in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, 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.
Things to think about…
1. Paul says knowledge by itself ‘puffs up’, 1Cor 8:1. This simply means that we our serving our pride if our knowledge is not combined with God’s love. Remember the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil still had “good” knowledge. Worldly knowledge represents humanity without Christ – ever seeking but never coming to the truth. Knowledge will of course increase in the earth, Dan 12:4, but this knowledge does not save. The saving knowledge of Christ allows us to be built up in His love. As the people of Christ we are to share this knowledge with others.
2. What is the best knowledge? The knowledge of God’s love towards us and that we are ‘known by God’, 1Cor 8:3. Remember the demons who spoke to the sons of Sceva, “Jesus I know and Paul I know, but who are you?”, Acts 19:15. Even the demons know those who are marked out by God’s grace and who are ‘known by God’. We should rejoice in this knowledge, but also to seek after the Saviour to make sure that we are in fact known by Him.
3. The Greeks loved knowledge – Greek - gnosis – meaning knowledge. This is where the heresy of Gnosticism came from – the belief that there are people who have an enlightened or secret knowledge not available to everyone. They would shun the material world based on this knowledge. Paul says that we know that there is “one God 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”, 1Cor 8:6, but not all have this knowledge, vs 7. He says some in the church don’t fully understand this because of their previous idolatrous knowledge and practice, vs 7. This made them weak and vulnerable. These weak folks still come into the church today. They don’t have a full knowledge of the Lord. As such Paul says that mature Christians should not put stumbling blocks in front of them, vs 9. We may know the freedom we have in Christ, but not everyone has that understanding,. As such we must be sensitive to where others are at in their faith.
4. Those of us who have been walking with the Lord for many years have a great deal of knowledge about the person and work of Christ. This knowledge should never be used to cause others to stumble who not have the same understanding. Babies choke on meat.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Life groups on this week. Ric Benson has started the Life Groups at church 6:30pm and will be looking at the life of Christ in the church.
Pastor Jay has started the young adult’s life group after Sunday mornings café time. Open discussion around difficult topics and defending our faith is the focus.
Prayer Points
1. Jay preaches on the sexual relationship from 1 Cor 6 and other passages.
2. The family of Vyleen White – especially her poor husband, Victor, as well as their children and grandchildren. Think of her granddaughter who was a witness to the tragic events. Lord Jesus heal and comfort. Bring a peace only available through You.
3. Pray for of Kids@Church, Life groups and church community days.
4. The conflicts in Israel and Ukraine. Praise for the peace of Jesus to reign.
5. Mathys has a prayer time at church on Monday afternoons. He would be happy for you to join him and to send prayer requests.
6. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you to be saved. Pray for the blessing over the new pastoral care and hosting program.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Ric’s message on Sunday was blessed. Thankyou Beatty boys for worship and our time of prayer.
2. Tad was operated on last week and is recovering well.
3. Wonderful start to the Life groups at church this week – good discussion around the we are wired and what stops us from growing.
4. Good discussion on the first few chapters of Genesis and long ages at Young Adults Life group on Sunday. This week – sexual relations– what honours God.
5. Praise God for the church leaders. May the Lord bless as they make their plans, that He guides our steps.
6. Start of Kids@Church and Life groups this week.
7. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Groups start back on Wednesday night at Church – 6:30pm. New Christians and Young Adults – Sunday after church.
2. Combined Baptist Church service at Beacon Baptist 5pm 11th Feb.
3. Members meeting after the service – 25th Feb 2024.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for February...
Q. 17. Of what were our first parents made? A. God made the body of Adam out of the ground. He formed Eve from the body of Adam.
