ABUSING PERSONAL LIBERTIES [1 Cor. 8-10]
Another of the issues that plagued the Christians at Corinth was the exercise of their personal liberties. The context begins in ch. 8, but actually continues through ch. 10. We'll examine passages from both chapters.
The central issue is not the liberty that can be enjoyed. Rather, the crux of the matter is the knowledge behind such liberties. More precisely, we're talking about conscientious knowledge. Apparently the saints had written Paul about this matter (cp. 8:1), and the issue troubling them was the eating of meat that had been sacrificed to an idol. Notice these points made by the apostle:
- an idol is nothing (8:4)
- no sin in buying, eating meat that had been sacrificed to an idol (10:25)
- by contrast, it would be sinful to eat such meat in a religious observance to an idol (10:21)
Yet, Paul teaches the right to engage in these "liberties" is not owned and able to be practiced "at will." One's personal freedoms can become a stumbling block to others (8:9). Let's not forget what the Lord said about this in Mt. 18:6.
Paul goes on to say just because something is "lawful" doesn't mean it is always "expedient" (10:23). If my liberties do not "seek the good of my neighbor" (cp. 10:24), then my liberties need to be given up. The cause of Christ is far more important than the exercise of personal liberties..
We must also remember such matters run deeper than just another brother who is "weaker" and might not "get it" like the rest of us "stronger" brethren. What is at issue is "him for whom Christ died" (8:11). He is a soul who doesn't have my knowledge (8:7), and who can be "ruined" because my liberties (which he can't do in good conscience) might embolden him to sin when he tries to do what I can do in good faith. Thus, the "strong" brother sins against his "weaker" brother, and also against Christ (8:12). Sound important???
The answer to this plague? Paul states it succinctly..."If food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again" (8:13). Though free in Christ (cp. Gal. 2:4), we live for the Lord...not for ourselves (Gal. 2:20).
