TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2
1 Corinthians 8:1-3
1 Corinthians 2:1-16

“Knowledge puffeth up …”

KNOWLEDGE WHICH DESTROYS!

When Paul said that “knowledge puffeth up” (1 Cor 8:1), he was not saying that doctrine is unimportant or harmful. Christianity is not a blind faith but is based upon the truth of God’s Word (John 17:17). As Christians, we must be firmly grounded in the knowledge of the Scriptures if we are to experience the fullness of our salvation and walk rightly before the Lord. Thus, the Scriptures declare, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Tim 4:16).

The issue concerning food offered to idols arose because of the Corinthian Christians’ lack of spiritual wisdom. They claimed to possess knowledge that God is the one living and true God (1 Cor 8:4), but much of this knowledge was head knowledge without much depth of spiritual understanding and application.

Some of the Corinthian Christians were young, immature believers who were grappling with this issue. They needed to be taught and encouraged in the Word of God.

However, there were those who, being full of themselves, thought that they knew better. This arrogance and presumptuousness led to wrong practices. Such pride in their head “knowledge” only led them to harm themselves, and others too.

The Rev Timothy Tow summed it up well: “Head knowledge that puffs up without heart knowledge is a dangerous thing.” Be careful not to fall into this trap! “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility” (Prov 18:12).

THOUGHT: Am I humble before the Lord?
PRAYER: Father, forgive me for my proud ways.