1 Corinthians 8:9 KJV
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
I came to see the Apostle's phrase "this liberty of yours" as a derogatory statement. The Corinthians were claiming a liberty that, though technically true, was certainly misplaced in their personal application of it. It truly was theirs because it wasn't the sort of liberty the Lord had given them.
In the course of the chapter Paul does acknowledge that there was nothing supernatural in the meat that had been offered to idols. It was just food. On the other hand, eating that meat as a means of the worship of those idols was a supernatural thing. Paul's concern was that when a believer, who knew that there was nothing special about the meat, ate it in the presence of a younger believer who did not yet understand these things, he would cause that younger believer to fall into error. Paul's answer was not to continue eating and teach the younger believer better. Paul's answer was to not eat that flesh in this lifetime. That's a far cry from the arrogant attitudes we find among the "more mature" brethren who tend to flaunt their liberty and prove they really don't care about the concerns of others.
Sure we have liberty. But the best and wisest use of that liberty is to bring it under submission to the Lord Jesus Christ.
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
I came to see the Apostle's phrase "this liberty of yours" as a derogatory statement. The Corinthians were claiming a liberty that, though technically true, was certainly misplaced in their personal application of it. It truly was theirs because it wasn't the sort of liberty the Lord had given them.
In the course of the chapter Paul does acknowledge that there was nothing supernatural in the meat that had been offered to idols. It was just food. On the other hand, eating that meat as a means of the worship of those idols was a supernatural thing. Paul's concern was that when a believer, who knew that there was nothing special about the meat, ate it in the presence of a younger believer who did not yet understand these things, he would cause that younger believer to fall into error. Paul's answer was not to continue eating and teach the younger believer better. Paul's answer was to not eat that flesh in this lifetime. That's a far cry from the arrogant attitudes we find among the "more mature" brethren who tend to flaunt their liberty and prove they really don't care about the concerns of others.
Sure we have liberty. But the best and wisest use of that liberty is to bring it under submission to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thnks for your comment. I would appreciate having your name in English as well so I know who is making the comments :-)
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