4 responses so far ↓

• 1 David // Jul 28, 2008 at 6:38 am

  Hi Pete,

  Thanks for preparing a good Bible talk on short notice. In the Bible Study booklet question 8 asks us to discuss other examples where we might limit or re-direct our freedom for the sake of weaker brothers. Some ideas I’d like to put out for discussion to see if I’m the right track are doctrinal issues. Christians have different beliefs on issues such as how to baptise people, recent creation vs long ages, church attendance being necessary, baptism of the Spirit etc. I think 1 Cor 8:1 is calling us to be careful to use our knowledge or voicing our opinions about these sort of doctrinal issues to always be done in the context of making sure we build others up, and not become a stumbling block for believers or non-believers becoming Christians. Do you think this is a valid application of 1 Cor 8:1?

• 2 Trev Voltz // Jul 28, 2008 at 10:37 am

  Hi Dave
  1Cor 8:13 were Paul says” i will never eat meat again ” i think it sort of answers part of your question in that it sets forth the basic principle of love -seek the good of others above one’s own. Another place to look at is Phil 2. particularly vs 4

• 3 Trev Voltz // Jul 28, 2008 at 10:48 am

  Sorry Dave i didn’t finish what i was saying, but we have to make sure what the person is saying fits in with what the bible tells us and sometimes love hurts to see the truth be seen.
  Thanks for the questions you ask on the site as they are really helpful for me.

• 4 pete // Jul 29, 2008 at 3:50 pm

  Hi David

  Sorry not to get back to you before your group met last night. This is one of those questions we can either try to answer in a really narrow way - i.e. what is the closest contemporary parallel to the food sacrificed to idols issue (drinking alcohol often comes up in this regard) or in a broader way - anything where what we want to do is not morally wrong in itself but could cause a brother to stumble and therefore becomes morally wrong due to the relational context.

  I think Trev is right about love being the key, and as well as Philippians 2:4 I’d point you to Ephesians 4:15 where Paul talks about the crucial place of speaking the truth in love in Christian relationships. The truth remains the truth and true love will never diminish the truth in order to “love” someone. So whatever we do with “doctrinal issues” we’re not to pretend that black is white or white is black.

  I guess its simply that we need to consider the impact of anything we do or say on other people. Will our words/actions build them up in Christ? Then we are not only free to act/speak but Christ’s love compels us to. On the other hand, will our actions/words potentially place a stumbling block in someone’s way? Then we are FREE to choose not to act/speak so that they will not stumble/fall/be destroyed by our inconsiderate actions/words. Its interesting that in 1:23 Paul speaks about the only stumbling block (same word in the greek) we should ever place in someone’s way - the GOSPEL ITSELF! I know that this answer doesn’t address the specifics of your question but I really believe that each individual situation has its own unique parameters that will need to be considered before we know what is the BEST thing to do/say. Put up another comment if you’re still not satisfied!

  Pete

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