November 27, 2024

We must be careful around new or weak Christians because what may be a sin to them may not be a sin to us. In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul talks about eating meat offered to idols. It's hard to find a comparison in today's society because you don't see much idol worship in this day and time. We know that idols are nothing but wood, stone, clay, or metal and cannot eat. However, let's say that you have a friend who is a former alcoholic, and they are a believer; I would say that if you are having dinner with them, you probably shouldn't have that glass of wine with your dinner. That is a stumbling block for them. What might be permissible for you may be a sin for them. 

A tidbit of information about mysterious beings that some people worship was included in this chapter. Look at this verse: 

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 8:5-6

With what the media is now trying to sensationalize, these so-called aliens, we know as Christians that we are not alone on this planet because scripture is clear that Satan and one-third of the angels were kicked out of heaven onto earth. Going a little further, we also know from scriptures that we have heavenly beings here to protect us. Their capabilities are beyond our understanding. Could another veil be lifted? I can't be sure; we're probably seeing what we've always seen. I've witnessed some unusual things that couldn't be explained away. 

The main teaching of 1 Corinthians 8 is to be mindful of others' weaknesses and not do anything that might cause them to stumble.