Today, I want to take a close look at the following verse:
1 Corinthians 8:1 (NIV) Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that "We all possess knowledge." But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.
Paul was addressing an area of the everyday practices of the early believers that was causing some to stumble: eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols. I addressed this in more detail in an earlier episode of this podcast, as an example of exercising grace within the body of Christ. For today, I merely want to show the context for today’s passage. What is the “knowledge” that Paul is referring to, when he says that “knowledge puffs up?” He gives the answer in the following verses of the same chapter:
1 Corinthians 8:6-9 (NIV) For us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. [7] But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. [8] But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. [9] Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
Paul mentions here that they possessed an important knowledge: that there are not multiple gods, but rather only one God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus Christ (verse 6).
I believe that God wants us to see a very important principle from today’s passage, that applies not only to this specific issue of Paul’s day but to everything we do today. The principle is the danger of knowledge.
What is the danger of knowledge? The primary danger is that it develops pride in us.
1 Cor. 8:1b - Knowledge puffs up…
And the Bible is very clear about the dangers of pride:
It leads to destruction and failure. Proverbs 16:18 (NIV) Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.It leads to hopelessness. Proverbs 26:12 (NIV) Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
So, how do we avoid becoming proud about the spiritual knowledge that God has given us, and insensitive and unloving to those around us? Thankfully, the Scriptures give us a biblical sequence for our spiritual development that helps us to avoid pride. See if you can find this proper sequence in the following passage:
2 Peter 1:5-7 ESV For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, (6) and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, (7) and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
What is the sequence?
1. Faith
2. Virtue
3. Knowledge… (and so forth)
Why is this sequence important?
To avoid pride. We must first develop faith and virtuous character, so that our knowledge will not “puff us up” but instead supplement our faith and character.To keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our walk of faith.2 Peter 1:8 (NIV) For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
How does being humble and loving others benefit others?
They receive the help of us carrying their burdens with them. Galatians 6:2 (NIV) Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. And what is the law of Christ? Jesus Himself said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34 NIV)They receive the motivation to, in turn, do acts of compassion and love to others.Hebrews 10:24 (TPT) Discover creative ways to encourage others and to motivate them toward acts of compassion, doing beautiful works as expressions of love.
But here is the surprise I discovered as I reflected upon today’s verse: being humble and loving others benefits me as well. How?
It gives me wisdom.Proverbs 11:2 (NIV) When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.It gives me harmony and peace with others.Romans 15:5-6 (NIV) May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, [6] so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So, what is today’s big idea? To avoid pride, I will focus on developing my faith and virtuous character before knowledge, because “knowledge puffs up [me], while love builds up [others].” This will be a blessing to others and to me.
Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”