Explore The New TestamentSample

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

• Back at this time people sacrificed meat to idols (made up gods, often made of wood or stone). After being laid at the altar of the false god, the meat would then be sold in the market. Some Christians believed that it was not to be eaten because it had been used in another religion's ceremony. Others believed it was fine to eat the meat. This was causing division. Paul says that eating the meat is fine, but that even still it shouldn't be eaten if it would cause problems for another Christian.

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

• We need to be careful that using our freedom doesn't become a stumbling block to others.
• Unity in the church is more important than doing what we want and getting our way. We need to live selfless lives of love that build others up.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

• Is there something you're doing that might cause a problem for someone else? Perhaps you have a friend who is a recovering alcoholic, and you've had a glass of wine in front of her. Or you have a friend who struggles with lust, and you invited him to see a movie with you that has nudity. Make a commitment to live a life of putting the needs of others before your own and carefully making your decisions so you build others up rather than causing them to stumble.