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1 Corinthians 8:1-3
1 Corinthians 8:1-3 is a prelude to what is to come in 1 Corinthians 8. This opening statement for the Apostle Paul’s next line of teaching was important for the congregation of the church at Corinth to realize and understand. Paul wants to discuss the topic of idols but first he has noticed that those in the church at Corinth have the knowledge he is about to speak of but they are not implementing the action that comes as it should with the knowledge that they have. Paul wants them to know that simply knowing something is not as it should be in one’s life if that knowledge requires an action as a result of the knowledge, yet no action is taken. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 8:2-3 (NKJV), “And if anyone thinks that he knows anything he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.” Paul is letting the congregation of the church at Corinth know that if they have knowledge of a proper action to be taken in following God in Christ Jesus, then that action should be taken. And if they have a love for God, then this proper action should be taken.
This is a command to take action in and for Christ Jesus.
Our actions as Christians should be reflective of our salvation in Christ Jesus and of our obedience to God’s calling on our lives. The Bible teaches us in James 2:18-19 (NIV), “But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’
“Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.” What is it that separates your faith in God from the faith of the demons believing that there is one God? The answer should be our actions which prove our faith. Simply knowing is not enough; we must show our faith through the actions of obedience and humility to God’s Holy Spirit working in our lives – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
Jesus promised in John 14:15-18 (NKJV), “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, who the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” And in John 14:26-27 Jesus teaches, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Please help us to listen to Your Holy Spirit teaching and leading us, and give us peace in our hearts and the strength to take action on the knowledge You give us – in Christ. LORD, please let it be so. In Jesus name I pray, amen.