Live in such a way that no one will stumble because of you.
1 Corinthians 8:8-13 (NLT)
8 It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t lose anything if we don’t eat it, and we don’t gain anything if we do.
9 But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble. 10 For if others see you—with your “superior knowledge”—eating in the temple of an idol, won’t they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol? 11 So because of your superior knowledge, a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed. 12 And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. 13 So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.
Examine the scriptures:
1 Corinthians 8:8-13 (NLT)
8 It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t lose anything if we don’t eat it, and we don’t gain anything if we do.
Food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat certain foods, and no better if we do eat certain foods.
- Our relationship with God is not determined by what we eat.
9 But
you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.
Freedom to eat or drink something does not mean it’s always appropriate to do so.
What we eat, or don’t eat, may have a negative impact on others.
10 For if others see you—with your “superior knowledge” (spiritual maturity)
Or perceived “superior knowledge”.
We imitate the behaviors of those we perceive as spiritually mature.
Teacher-student
Parent-child
Mature Christian – new Christian
Tell the story of how I determine how high I will lift my hands during a worship service. (This may be more tongue in cheek than not.)
—eating in the temple of an idol, won’t they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol?
The weaker believer is simply imitating your behavior, but they are not doing something they believe is o.k. to do.
They are feeling guilty.
They have difficulty knowing right from wrong.
Learning to compromise.
Confusion is setting in.
11 So because of your superior knowledge, a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed.
- It is wrong to do something if it makes another person stumble.
Romans 14:15 (NLT)
And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died.
Spiritual growth devastated
Distressed.
Ruined
Conscience is seared.
Not able to distinguish right from wrong.
Fall back into old sins.
Set up for failure.
12 And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ.
- It is a sin to encourage others to do something they believe is wrong.
13 So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.
2 Corinthians 6:3 (NLT)
We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, …
- Live your life in such a way that no one will stumble because of
How should we live?
Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
1 Corinthians 10:31-32 (NIV)
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—
- Decide how you will live based on what brings glory to God.
