Who is the weaker brother in 1 Corinthians 8? When
considering this Scripture I have seen some people use it to bolster their ego
rather than an ally in love. I have also seen this scripture used to justify
sin.
Some have thought that my stance on not drinking
alcohol makes me the weaker brother. However, does it? I know my personality
type and that if I did drink I would be an alcoholic. I don't think I weak or
less than someone else. Paul here isn't trying to say one is better than the
other but one should consider the other person as you might a weak relative by
giving them a helping hand. You don’t criticize.
Turning this scripture to an excuse to bolster an
ego is counter to scripture and to what Paul is teaching. Paul here refers to
idols specifically but it can refer to anything of which there can be a
disagreement concerning the living out of truth.
This isn't someone saying I don't think cheating on
my spouse is wrong and you disagree. No, Scripture clearly teaches this is
wrong. This scripture can't be claimed as proof you need to accept my sin, because I don't believe it's sin.
The disagreement here isn't if it is okay to
worship idols. One is saying that the meat they are eating isn't worshiping
idols; others would say it is. Both
parties would say that worshiping anything other than God is wrong. It is in
the definition of what worshiping idols entails is where the conflict and the
resolution lie. Today it might be the difference between someone saying reading
a fantasy book with magic is practicing witchcraft and someone else disagrees.
Both agree practicing witchcraft is wrong, but one sees this activity as being
the same, the other doesn't.
At the end of the day, we need to exercise true tolerance and love. This includes giving in to the weaker not because they are less but because they are your brother or sister in Christ that you do not want to offend.
1Co 8:1-13
(1) Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
(2) And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
(3) But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
(4) As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
(5) For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
(6) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
(7) Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
(8) But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
(9) But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
(10) For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
(11) And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
(12) But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
(13) Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
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