July 24
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ON KNOWLEDGE, LOVE & THE ONE TRUE GOD
Now concerning food sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes one conceited, but love edifies people. 2 If anyone thinks that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; 3 but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.
4 Therefore, concerning the eating of food sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, 6 yet for us there is only one 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. – 1 Corinthians 8:1-6
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In this letter Paul addresses the question whether food sacrificed to idols can be consumed by believers. It is interesting how Paul began this letter with the principle of knowledge and love. In the beginning of this letter, he differentiates the effects of the two principles: knowledge makes a person conceited or arrogant, but the one who operates in love builds up others. Paul further warns the believers to watch out if anyone is assuming that he knows anything because the more he claims he knows, the more he doesn’t really understand. If anyone loves God, he or she is surely going to be acknowledged by God himself.
After Paul explains the principles of knowledge and love, he begins to answer their query on the eating of food sacrificed to idols. He explains that idols have no value at all and that there is only one true God. He further explains that despite the many idols that many have been worshiping, there is only one God. This one true God, is the source of all things and the only reason why they are still alive. He is the reason why all things are created and it is only through him that anything is possible.
For those who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ, it is impossible to have knowledge and wisdom. Without Jesus, there can never be true love. The love that the world knows is not the perfect love that God the Father offers. Proverbs 1:7 says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Paul answers the question on eating food offered to idols by giving them a glimpse of the true character of God, full of wisdom and love.
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REFLECTION
• How can a Christian bring knowledge to those who don’t know the Lord?