1 Corinthians 8—9: Living for Christ
A NOTE TACKED up on a refrigerator had these words: "It is better to be righteous than right!" Today individuals and groups are clamoring and clashing over rights: the right to free speech, the rights of the poor, the right to liberation, women's rights, aboriginal rights, the right not to be bothered by smokers (or nonsmokers), the rights of animals, the rights of blacks, the rights of whites.
So many of the struggles over rights, both legitimate and bogus, seem to revolve around attaining freedom to change the status quo. The apostle Paul, however, appears to be on opposite ground. For him rights and freedoms are unimportant compared to the privilege of living for Christ.
Warming Up to God
In what area are you currently struggling with a person or group in opposition to you? Ask God to use this study to show you how to be righteous.
Read 1 Corinthians 8—9. »
Discovering the Word
- Sacrificial animals offered in temples were dedicated to a pagan god, and most of them were sold in the public market. Understandably, many Christians in Corinth wondered whether they should eat such meat. According to Paul, what do mature Christians know about food sacrificed to idols (vv. 4-6, 8)?
- What warning does Paul give about this kind of knowledge (vv. 1-3)? Explain.
- What does Paul say is more important than exercising the freedom that comes from knowledge (vv. 9-13)?
- Paul moves on from rights and freedoms based on knowledge to the topic of rights based on position. What apostolic rights has Paul given up (vv. 4-5, 11-12, 14, 18-19)?
- How and why has Paul given up the freedom to live whatever lifestyle he prefers (vv. 19-23)?
- In giving up the rights mentioned in chapters 8—9, how are we like athletes in training (vv. 24-27)?
Applying the Word
- In what situations today might our "knowledge" and freedom destroy a weaker brother?
- What distinguishes actions that challenge the immature to grow from actions that wound them?
- How might we adjust our lifestyles in order to reach people in various subcultures?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to help you train more rigorously so you will not be disqualified but will receive the victor's crown.
For Further Study
Joyful Exiles by James M. Houston