Thirteen short verses with a common theme, summarized well by verse 9. We see in the first 8 verses that we have great freedom in Christ. Idols are worthless, and the eating of food that's been sacrificed to these worthless idols makes us no less holy. In 2012, although we rarely come across people struggling with those who eat meat sacrificed to idols, we do see Christians struggling to embrace other believers who drink alcohol. There are Christians convinced that we must not eat pork. There are some who have a real problem with a believer watching an R-rated movie. Bottom line:
"Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." (v. 9). Also, we see that Paul clearly puts his obligation to others ahead of his own personal freedom in Christ:
"if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall." (v. 13). First and foremost, we are built for others, not ourselves.
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