[“Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue”] There are some topics that everyone has an opinion about. “Food offered to idols” appears to be one of them in Paul’s time. If you bring up one of these topics then everyone is ready to offer their opinion. Standing back and watching the proceedings will give you a good insight into the attitude and character of the person speaking. Some speak in order to hear the sound of their own voice. Others speak because they know theirs is the right opinion and everyone needs to hear it and espouse it. Sometimes it is the “small voice” in the corner that offers the most wisdom but which often goes unheeded in the clamour of opinion. I love what Paul says here: “Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much.” How true.Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.
1 Corinthians 8:1-3
Hey people, as you know I am 59 now. I have learned in all of my learning that it just exposes what I don’t know. Even the things I thought I knew well I didn’t really know or understand as fully as I ought. For those who spend years plumbing the depth of a field of study realise in the end how little they know and how much more there is to know.
Listen to the wisdom of Solomon:
- Pro 10:14 Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.
- Pro 12:23 The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.
- Pro 18:15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.
- Ecc 1:18 The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow.
As I have studied Hebrew and Greek and worked with the Biblical text many have said to me “wow having the Biblical languages must mean you can solve all problems with the text of the Bible”. No! I find problems that in my ignorance I didn’t know were problems. And I find like many others before me the more I dig the more I realise I don’t know. “To the increase of knowledge there is no end.” It is so true. Learn to handle your knowledge with humility.
I have also learned if the Bible states something as a fact, not to contradict it. I will choose Biblical truth any day over the wisdom of man. Never sit in judgment over the Biblical text and accept the latest human wisdom as the final answer.
“Every man dies, not every man really lives.”
Movie: Braveheart
To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.
Oscar Wilde
The human race crave the experience of awe & wonder. And there is no reality more breathtaking than Jesus Christ.
John Piper
Success Is Never Defined By What You Know … Or Even Who You Know… But By Who Knows You. (I love this one in the light of Paul’s last comment)
Robb Thompson