QT 3/18/2025 1 Cor 8:1-6, Using knowledge to love

1 Corinthians 8:1–6 (ESV) —

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.

 

NOTE: The statement that "we all possess knowledge" is true, and even more true, is that we all think we possess knowledge. But knowledge without application or love is really worthless, and only serves to puff up the individual. True useful knowledge is keenly useful when applied with love. Knowing that there is only one God and sacrifices to idols are meaningless, is good but useless if you use that knowledge to hurt another believer in Christ. Jesus' command to love and identification of true disciples based on love stands out as the true measurement of whether you really possess knowledge or not.

 

PONDER:

1. How am I using my knowledge to love another?
2. Do I ever get puffed up about knowledge I have? What can I do to stay humble?

 

PRAYER: Father, I thank you for knowledge, but I never want to become the person who misuses knowledge or looks down upon another person whom you have created because the person lacks knowledge. Help me to be very sensitive in my use of knowledge.