Love that Seeketh God’ Face
and its Neighbor’s Heart
Reflection on 1 Corinthians Chapter 8 to 11:1
1
Love that Seeketh God’ Face
and its Neighbor’s Heart
Reflection on 1 Corinthians Chapter 8 to 11:1
Introduction
Looking at the Corinthian’s understanding of Godly wisdom, as Paul graciously
instruct them to have a renewed mind and love, what is meant by stumbling block
and Paul’s point of concern, Paul’s view on food and idols and how can the
Corinthians walk in God’ ways towards fellow believers and unbelievers. Paul’s
example and in what ways will this ultimately aid our understanding (1 Corinthians 8-
11:1 Geneva; Jabini 2008:ch.7-8). Looking at Paul referring to his joy, hope and
reward and its overall significance that will lead to victory. Paul uses the Israelites as
an example and the consequences they faced when rejecting God’. Warning the
Corinthians about fellowship and idols and the course of action that’s needed. The
importance of establishing Christ in every situation. Finally, we look at how it applies
to our context, valuable lessons, God’ better ways, we can learn and how it impacts
our understanding of the world or challenges we encounter.
1. Knowledge Puffs Up, but Love Builds Up
Paul addresses the root stemming from their Knowledge, distorted understanding
that’s fleeting (1 Cor. 8:1-6 ESV1), Paul sees knowledge of value, if its grounded in
God’ word of truth that seeks to protect one another, however he questions their
actions and motives as governed by such, whether it’s in self-seeking arrogance that
causes impediments to the weak or Christ-like love that builds up and is concerned
for the unsaved (Jabini 2008:ch.7-8; Geneva 1995; Bible.org Bob 2012; BibleStudys
2020; Netbible.org 2020; Bible.org David 2012). Paul argues, any association with
pagan gods can set a distorted example (stumbling block) to the infant believer,
causing harm and failure of distinction and faith regarding the one true God (Deut.
6:1-5) that requires to be revered and loved with our entire being (1 Cor. 8:10-11,
9:5-6; Act. 17:1-23 NIV, NKJV; Plummer 2002:60-61).
1 Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from the English Standard Version
Paul agrees that all things created belongs to God and as such should be received
and enjoyed in thanksgiving, however the point of discussion is concerning the
attitude of the heart towards fellow believers and proper conduct. (1 Cor. 8:6-13
Geneva, NKJV) Paul encourages them to exercise genuine care/love sacrificially and
discernment of behavior, not to merely boast in the freedom they have obtained, but
to be vigilant and gain wisdom against the wickedness of idols that are in facts
idolatry for it is demonic and perverse (8:7, 10:10-20 NIV; Thielman
2012:1615),which can easily lead to sin (Jabini 2008:ch.7-8; Geneva 1995; Bible.org
Bob 2012; BibleStudys 2020; Netbible.org 2020; Bible.org David 2012). Paul
understood that in essence the food had no real proprietary value, however exerting
one’s so called rights as greater than the fundamental truth of love would never
achieve anything good, nor glorify God. Paul calls for a renewal of mind: to not lead
their fellow believer(s) in the ways of temptation, that cause pulverization of Christ’
church, but to be Christ-like and walk in the way of refuging one another.
2. Paul’s Own Example
Paul uses his own position, freedom and apostolic authoritative rights to drive home
his point (1 Cor. 9:1-27). Even though Paul was inclined, fully qualified as God’
witness to the resurrected Christ, good news and being their spiritual father that
established the church, having rightful claim to assert what was due to him, (9:1-18)
he makes no attempt or demands for such, namely the right of physical nourishment,
Godly spouse and remuneration for living (9:4-6 NIV), for the purpose/sake of
sharing the gospel freely and not to limit its effectiveness (9:12-18). This in turn also
seals, confirms and distinguishes him as an authentic apostle (9:1-2; Thielman
2012:1616), that does not seek after material possessions to acquire (1 Thess. 2:2-3
Geneva). Paul continues to educate the Corinthians with regards to the joy and
reward he finds in doing so, he greatly boasts in his weaknesses and allegiance
(Rom. 7:20-22; Gal. 6:1-2 NKJV) to Christ that has become his sufficiency, giving all
the glory to God (9:15-18; Jabini 2008:ch.7-8; Geneva 1995; Bible.org Bob 2012;
BibleStudys 2020; Netbible.org 2020; Bible.org David 2012).
Paul encourages them to do the same, they should rather desire / contend for
heavenly rewards, becoming a humble servant to all to win some (1 Cor. 9:22; Act.
16:1-3, 21:20-26, 17:10-25), especially towards non-believers (1 Cor. 8:6-13; Rom.
14-15, 5:4-6; Jabini 2008:ch.7-8; Geneva 1995; Bible.org Bob 2012; BibleStudys
2020; Netbible.org 2020; Bible.org David 2012). He affirms, just because he does
not make use of his right doesn’t mean his forfeited such. Paul continues to firmly
establish his point and the law of God, by giving 6 realistic examples: a farmer,
vineyard, shepherd, not to (muzzle) an ox who trod, they that serve at the temple
and alter (9:7-11; Deut. 25:1-4; Lev. 10:10-13, 24:8-9, 27:20-21; Num. 3:48, 5:8-9
NIV, KJV, Geneva; Barclay 2000:80), that the laborer who waits optimistically is
worthy of the first wages/perquisite (Lk. 10:7; 1 Tim. 5:18; Matt. 10:10). Paul’s
strategy regarding discipline (1 Cor. 9:24-27), he urges them to do all things
wholeheartedly unto Christ, like an athlete, not regarding the hardship nor to be
disqualified but pressing on, be self-disciplined and take hold of the eternal price
(Phil. 3:11-13; Thielman 2012:1617).
3. The Example of the Israelites
Paul continues his instructions (1 Cor. 10:1-3NIV), emphasizing on loss of reward,
making reference to the Israelites, how God had a gloriously future in store for them
and faithfully led, protected them from opposition, sanctifying them, provided for their
needs and making sure they were content (10:1-5; Jabini 2008:ch.7-8; Geneva
1995; Bible.org Bob 2012; BibleStudys 2020; Netbible.org 2020; Bible.org David
2012), however they failed to obtain it and never entered into God’ full purpose due
to the attitude / priorities of their heart, worshipping idols, fornication,
murmured/rejecting God’ provision and ordained authority (1 Cor. 10:6-11; Exod.
32:1-35; Num. 25:1-10, 21:1-6, 4:1-39, 16:40-41 NKJV), the consequences of such
would lead to futility and ultimately death. Paul warns the Corinthians to remember
the Israelites that served as an example (1 Cor. 10:10-13 Geneva; Stedman 1978a),
the opposition and challenges they faced are also applicable to them, Paul instructs
them to be humble, not prideful, but rather obedient, faithful, trusting in the Lord will
lead to victory.
Regardless of their intellect, gallantry and liberty gained through Christ, sinning is
likely (1 Cor. 10:12 NIV, KJV), in other words they should not underestimate the
enemy, as the demonic activity’s purpose’s to destroy God’ truth and holy people
(Jabini 2008:ch.7-8). The Corinthians needed to press on daily, holdfast and finish
the race and realize the times and seasons of peril, identify the destructive, cunning
adversary and never look back. Paul directs them towards God’ heart’s desire and
grace, namely God’ everlasting faithfulness, God’ enabling power and provision
that’s available when facing opposition and hardships, they do not need to lose heart
for God will always provide a way out to overcome (1 Cor. 10:10-13 Geneva), they
do not need to feel forsaken or alone for all Christ’ followers face the same
challenges (Geneva 1995; Bible.org Bob 2012; BibleStudys 2020; Netbible.org 2020;
Bible.org David 2012).
4. Christianity and Idolatry Do Not Go Together.
Paul charges the Corinthians to reject idolatry (1 Cor. 10:13-11:1), highlighting the
core of his argument, God’ righteous anger (Deut. 6:16; Ex. 17:7NKJV, Geneva) and
what ought to be the actions of their freedom and consideration of fellow believers
and unbelievers (Matt. 7:11-12; Phili. 2:2-4; Jabini 2008:ch.7-8; Geneva 1995;
Bible.org Bob 2012; BibleStudys 2020; Netbible.org 2020; Bible.org David 2012 ).
Paul calls them to accountability based on their profession of having wisdom, if in
fact they had, they would have realized the significance of associating with idols,
Paul thus makes distinction regarding the substance and spiritual realm under
discussion. Paul uses the “Holy Communion” that willingly, heartedly acknowledges,
honors Christ’ lordship spiritually by faith entering into union and intimacy, in contrast
to offerings made to idols that’s idolatry (1 Cor. 10:20 NKJV). In other words, the
Corinthians lacked to see the depth and implications of their actions, either being
bound with Christ or demons (Deut. 32:10-17), no neutral ground.
Paul continues to provide insight about freedom in Christ (1 Cor. 10:23), that not all
things are a clear-cut situation, in other words not all things are permissible due to
their so-called rights, for the motive and attitude should be to God’ glory and loving
others unto Christ-likeness. Paul says they are free in Christ, however should not
entangle themselves nor the family of God in the ways of darkness / destruction.
Paul says he sees no objection if they enjoyed the substances of the earth within
their own capacity (1 Cor. 10:25-28 NIV: Ps. 24:1 KJV; Jabini 2008:ch.7-8; Geneva
1995; Bible.org Bob 2012; BibleStudys 2020; Netbible.org 2020; Bible.org David
2012), as all things belong to God, unless one becomes informed of something being
offered to idols, they should refrain from partaking, for it will then be seen as a
perverted gift unto idolatry. Paul sees the value of establishing Christ in every
situation, especially regards the unbeliever who has a weak conscious (Rom. 14:1-
18; Ps. 24:1 NKJV). Paul ends with using himself as an example they can imitate
unto Christ-likeness (1 Cor. 10:29-11:1; Stedman1978a).
5. Contextualization
We are face with all kinds of demands that wilfully inflicts harm, we see God
establishing the fundamental insight regarding worldly wisdom that leads to
destruction or Godly wisdom of truth and grace that has been given and likewise
should be extended (1 Corinthians 8-11:1; Jabini 2008:ch.7-8). Christ has set us
free, not so we can enrich ourselves but consider and show love to the weaker
member, to build them up in faith, for in doing so both will be preserved unto
righteousness (Geneva 1995; Bible.org Bob 2012). This is a valuable biblical pillar,
referring to how we respond and show unconditional love in action. We should never
show partiality, discrimination rooted in an attitude that is in conflict to Christ-likeness
or authentic love (BibleStudys 2020). Excuses such as being part of a denomination
or organisation with its set rules, framework should never be a valid reason to lack
brotherly love or refusing to take the actions needed that will aid and care for the
individual, rather discernment is needed in every situation that ultimately seeks
wholeness in Christ (Netbible.org 2020; Bible.org David 2012).
Our heart should always be fixed on God’ as our eternal security and source
(BibleStudys 2020). That we will face unprecedented, challenges, rejection, others
bearing false witness is inevitable, that we have a right to defend ourselves, lash
back at the opposition is possible, however God is gently requesting of us to choose
his better way, to show love and at times to refrain, that ultimately God is our
defender, provider and heavenly Father that never fails (1 Corinthians 8-11:1; Jabini
2008:ch.7-8). We should seek after greater things, heavenly things, where God our
just judge reigns supreme. In other words, we must hold fast to the sonship, seal of
identity that’s been obtained in Christ more than asserting our rights. God has given
us his word, that instruct us (Geneva 1995). We must not overlook the importance
and value it bears, for to refuse it wilfully or ignorantly produces foolishness and
ultimately leads to a life that is barren or death (Bible.org Bob 2012). We must
remember God’ word is not limited to time or space but has been established
eternally, and the consequences of such, should never be handled frivolously.
Lukewarm, being on the fence, does not exist in God’ holiness, nor does
compromise, unbelieve, pride, yelling, disrespecting, mistreating, cheating, wasting
money, gossiping, violence, all of such lay at the root of an individual’s life that
refuses or rejects God’ gift of salvation or walking in God’ ways of truth (Bible.org
David 2012). Formulating excuses based on human intellect, philosophy will not
stand before God, we need to realize the ways of man and the ways of God are in
conflict to one another. Godly wisdom is needed that produces maturity,
steadfastness, loyalty and dependency on God, especially in the face of the fear of
man that leads to impulse and foolishness (Netbible.org 2020).
Conclusion
We looked at Paul’ instructions to the Corinthians regarding wisdom, how to love
your fellow believer and nonbelievers with an unconditional, sacrificial Christ-like love
that builds and refrains from situation that create a stumbling block. Paul sees
knowledge has value within following God’ ways that lead to fellowship in Christ. All
things belong and have been created by God and so we should rejoice and find
comfort in our greatest reward of being part of God’ kingdom and family, unto such
we must strive and seek. Our purpose and goal should be to glorify God and as a
primary motivation in all and any situation, not considering our rights or what we can
obtain of any value but always fixing our eyes and actions on the splendor of God.
We looked at Paul as an example of an authentic follower of Christ not seeking his
own gains but to establish Christ and the reward in doing so. We looked at the
Israelites that failed to walk in God’ ways that led to destruction, however this serves
as an example so we can take heed how we are to conduct ourselves in a Godly
way. We should discern between the physical and spiritual realm, for our attitude and
purpose should be to walk in God’ truth and not to establish our rights, for not all
situations are permissible, arrogance might lead to entanglement defeating the
purpose of fellowship and unity in Christ. Finally, we looked at some practical
applications in our context, we have been set free to show love to others, excuses
are never a good reason to fail from doing so, we will have hardships however God
should be our security and his word should govern our hearts and actions.
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