Study Desk

So, what about eating meat that has been offered to idols? Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God.

There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords.

However, not all believers know this. Some are accustomed to thinking of idols as being real, so when they eat food that has been offered to idols, they think of it as the worship of real gods, and their weak consciences are violated.

But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.

So because of your superior knowledge, a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed.

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.

Wasn't he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.

When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.

When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!

So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.

These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did,

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.

So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience.

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

I am so glad that you always keep me in your thoughts, and that you are following the teachings I passed on to you.

But, of course, there must be divisions among you so that you who have God's approval will be recognized!

So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.