When knowledge is applied successfully in life, it becomes that person’s worldview. Paul’s remark, “we know that we have knowledge…” (cf - Ro 14.14) is a crucial part of the passage. All have knowledge, some from experience, some from conviction, some from teaching, but knowledge’s inherit action is to puff up at someone who does not have that knowledge.

Knowing What to do with Knowledge - I Corinthians 8

What does it mean when it is said, “Knowledge puffeth up"? Some seem to present this verse as if people shouldn’t get knowledge. Should a boy learn what 2+2 is? Of course, but consider what that boy’s reaction is to someone who doesn’t know 2+2=4. If the boy had just learned 2+2, then he would be more forgiving to the one that didn’t, but if the boy had known it for a while, his conversation would be like this: “Duh, haven’t you ever learned anything?”

When knowledge is applied successfully in life, it becomes that person’s worldview. Paul’s remark, “we know that we have knowledge…” (cf - Ro 14.14) is a crucial part of the passage. All have knowledge, some from experience, some from conviction, some from teaching, but knowledge’s inherit action is to puff up at someone who does not have that knowledge. Consider a mission trip that a pastor took to the Philippines: Upon the pastor’s arrival, the missionary asked him if he would like to drive. The pastor gladly took the opportunity to drive in a foreign country. Upon entering the highway he remarked, “Don’t these people know how to drive? They aren’t following any of the traffic laws!” to which the missionary replied, “No, you aren’t following theirs!”

The pastor’s knowledge of traffic laws in the United States caused him to be puffed up because others just didn’t have that knowledge….or rather….they had different knowledge. The same is with this passage. Of course idols are man made objects (vs. 4)! Of course there is only one God (vs. 5-6)! And to those that have this knowledge, it isn’t a great deal that meat is offered to idols - it’s just a statue to them. Consider, though, (vs. 7): “There is not in every man that knowledge…” Some who have come out of that wicked and pagan society of Corinth used to worship those idols and still have a very real fear of them. To that believer, it would be an offense to eat meat offered to an idol for they USED to do the very same. And to the one that has knowledge (vs. 9), don’t be puffed up about the idol, rather take heed not to offend the one that does not have the knowledge.

Be Any Man to Every Man - I Corinthians 9

(Vs. 20-23) Paul clearly defines his purposes of ministry to the Corinthians. He is not preaching for money, power, or influence. He sacrifices even support so the gospel of Jesus Christ would not be hindered. He submits to all men in order for Jesus Christ to have an impact on their lives.

(Vs. 24-27) How can you tell someone wants the prize? What does a serious runner look like? One who is “temperate” in everything he does. One who has enough self-control in his life so he can focus on what really matters - he has the ability to ignore everything else that distracts him from the prize.

Prudence and Practicality - I Corinthians 10

Vs. 23-33: All things are lawful to the Christian but in his liberty not all things are prudent (helpfully wise). There comes a point in the life of every Christian where he can do something but he wonders should he do it. Specifically in this chapter, there is nothing wrong with eating meat offered to idols but don’t offend someone who thinks it is wrong. Prudence and practicality. Yes that meat is cheaper, yes it is perfectly fine to eat it but have prudence and discernment for the other’s sake.

Vs. 27-33: Eat and participate with unbeliever’s (an ancient adage for : “Don’t offend the culture!"). Paul is saying have prudence, don’t condone idolatry but don’t offend in practical matters also. Why should you sacrifice liberty for another’s conscience? (vs. 33) Seek after another’s wellbeing, not yourself (cf - vs. 24).

Principles - I Corinthians 11

Vs. 1: Imitate Paul. Not in his errors or personal hygene or way he puts on his shoes - imitate what he imitates of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Barne’s Comments:

Verse 1. Be ye followers of me. Imitate my example in the matter now under discussion. As I deny myself; as I seek to give no offence to any one; as I endeavour not to alarm the prejudices of others, but in all things to seek their salvation, so do you. This verse belongs to the previous chapter, and should not have been separated from it. It is the close of the discussion there.

Even as I also am of Christ. I make Christ my example. He is my model in all things; and if you follow him, and follow me as far as I follow him, you will not err. This is the only safe example; and if we follow this, we can never go astray.

{a} “ye followers” Eph 5:1; 1Th 1:6
{*} “followers” “Imitators“

The Supremacy of the Spirit in the Church - I Corithians 12

A common habit in the modern Baptist church has been to misplace authority. They have placed the authority for sending a missionary with a local body of believers when it is actually the Holy Spirit’s job to do so. They have placed faith in the hands of men and not God. They have placed confession into the ability of man and not from the direction of the Spirit. Authority misplaced is authority defied and Christians today have done just that: defied Who is their true authority.

Vs. 3: This verse is self explanatory but the depth of its meaning is so often over looked. Consider the ramifications of the statement, “No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.” No one can get saved except the Holy Spirit enable him, when someone does profess that Jesus Christ is Lord, he is filled with the Holy Ghost, and those who cannot confess Jesus as Lord have not the Spirit of God (…"If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is none of His.")

Vs. 7: That manifestation is given only by the Spirit. Not by a man, not by a church, but of the Spirit! The gifts come not according as the clergy see need but as the Spirit sees need.

Vs. 11: The gifts in the body are without repentance because they are given as He wills.