LORD’S DAY, OCTOBER 7
1 Corinthians 8:9-13
Proverbs 25:26

“But take heed lest … this liberty …
become a stumblingblock …”

DO NOT BE A STUMBLING BLOCK!

The Corinthian Christians’ right in Christ to eat all kinds of food must not become a license to sin, nor to be a license to cause others to sin. Knowledge and love must go hand in hand.

The love for their weaker brethren should have directed the Corinthian Christians to be more considerate in their conduct. Therefore, they should not have been found eating meals in idolatrous temples or events because it was expedient for them. Should the younger believers had seen the supposedly “mature” ones eating food offered to idols, would they not therefore be emboldened to eat food offered to idols themselves? These conceited ones would then lead their weaker brethren down the slippery road of sin. The already weakened consciences of their brethren would be further struck and damaged (tuptō), leading them to more misjudgments and wickedness.

Paul stated in no uncertain terms that the inconsiderate behaviour of the Corinthian Christians would cause their brethren to “perish” (apollumi, 1 Cor 8:11), i.e. “to destroy.” When we are stumbling blocks to our brethren, we destroy their walk with Christ and cause them to corrupt their testimony for God.

Paul then reminded the Corinthian Christians that Christ also died for the weaker brother. If that was so, who gave them the right to damage the conscience of a brother? Was it not therefore most unrighteous to destroy his witness for Christ? Paul was most willing to let go of any of his rights so that no brother be led astray. This is what we all must do, constrained by the love of Christ.

Let us all be careful not to be a stumbling block to our brethren. To do so is a sin and an affront to Christ. May our conduct always be found worthy of the gospel of Christ.

THOUGHT: I must bear a good witness for my Saviour.
PRAYER: Father, help me not to stumble others.