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THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS
CHAPTER 8
IDOL WORSHIPPING
BAD MEAT OFFERING - MEAT OFFERED TO IDOLS
Welcome to our Christianity Oasis Daily Bread study program. This is our very concerning Idol Worshipping Bible study looking into Bad Meat Offering Meat Offered to Idols. The absolutely interesting Idol worshipping and Meat offered to idols message will truly bring a smile to the lips and heart and shine the LIGHT of Truth upon your be-YOU-tiful Christian walk path.
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CHECK OUT THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS STUDY FROM THE BEGINNING
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CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO LEARN ABOUT
MEAT OFFERED TO IDOLS |
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THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS
CHAPTER 8
IDOL WORSHIPPING STUDY
BAD MEAT OFFERING - MEAT OFFERED TO IDOLS CONCERN
Happy to have you back
at our Daily Bread! As we continue studying
Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians, remember that
Corinth was a heathen nation and was, like all Greek
cities, full of temples to heathen idols. Sacrifices
were constantly offered of which the meat was
afterwards eaten.
The question arose of whether a
Christian could partake of such meat without being
guilty of eating meat offered to idols, since
knowledge that an idol was non-existent.
Paul
explains that it wasn't a question of knowledge, but a question of
charity. People who claim to be knowledgeable are conceited and are
not seeking for the true knowledge, which is wisdom. Humility is an
essential element in attaining this. He who loves God, knows Him and
is known by Him. Love of God is the means by which to obtain wisdom.
There are many people who say
that if you eat certain meats including pork or shrimp that
you are sinning. Some even tell others they will go to Hell
if they do so. But can this be TRUTH? I mean ... Would God
put someone in HELL cuz they had bacon with their eggs for
breakfast? Could all
these bacon lovers be headed for hell or at least need to
beg for forgiveness cuz they ate a slice of bacon or a
sausage link?
IDOL WORSHIPPING TRUTH
BAD MEAT OFFERING - MEAT OFFERED TO IDOLS WARNING
I do not eat pork myself, so
I have no personal gain in providing this study, but I know
many that do and I am here to share TRUTH for them. IF you
CHOOSE to read this entire study and look up the scripture
provided ... You will know the TRUTH and the TRUTH will set
you FREE.
Where did these individuals
that seek to condemn others get their information as to
place such an outlandish "curse" upon those that eat pork
and other meats that they came to love, cuz of Mom's
delicious dinners ...
They are quoting
Leviticus, Chapter 11 ... God gave the
Israelites
these laws on meats that they could and meats that they
could not eat. These laws and customs were kinda like a
blood pact or a deal between God and the Israelites
known as the Old Covenant.
However ... The Israelites
broke the Covenant through their many sins and because they
could not hold up their part of the bargain and because God
loved them so much ... God knew He would have to make a NEW
Covenant and even foretold this in prophecy:
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Jeremiah
31:31-34
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a New Covenant
with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to
the Covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by
the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my Covenant they
brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall
be the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those
days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write
it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his
brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least
of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive
their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. |
IDOL WORSHIPPING LESSON
BAD MEAT OFFERING - MEAT OFFERED TO IDOLS DANGER
Mankind had broke the law so
many times that all the sacrifices in the world would not
remove the sin. So God, who loved them so dearly sacrificed
His Son to get His children into Heaven. The blood of Jesus
cleanses away that sin when we accept Him as our Lord and
believe that He died for our sins, was resurrected, returned
to Heaven and will return again. His precious blood was the
NEW blood pact between God and mankind and it brought in the
New Covenant.
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Hebrews 8:6-8
But now hath He (Jesus) obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much
also He (Jesus) is the mediator of a better covenant, which was
established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been
faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For
finding fault with them, He saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord,
when I will make a NEW COVENANT with the house of Israel and with the
house of Judah. |
Jesus echoed this TRUTH when He said:
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Matthew 26:28
For this is my blood of the NEW
TESTAMENT, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. |
Now this New Covenant
does NOT only apply to the Israelites but also the
"Gentiles" ... In other words the New Covenant is NOT for
the Israelites which were God's chosen people, but rather
for CHRISTIANS of all walks including the Israelite
believers.
IDOL WORSHIPPING RESEARCH
BAD MEAT OFFERING - MEAT OFFERED TO IDOLS FEAR
When Jesus died for our
sins, was resurrected and 40 days later ascended to Heaven,
the Apostles began to spread the Gospel of Jesus. Peter knew of the Jewish LAW
from the Old Covenant. He believed that to hang out with
"Gentiles" or to eat certain meats was a sin. But, He was
shown the TRUTH of the NEW COVENANT in a vision from the
Holy Spirit.
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Acts
10:9-16
Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the
sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while
they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a
certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at
the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were
all manner of fourfooted beasts
of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said,
Not so, Lord; for
I have never eaten any thing that is common or
unclean. And the
voice spake unto him again
the second time,
What God hath cleansed, that call not thou
common. This was
done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
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This vision had a two-fold
meaning. ONE that the meats were cleansed as He clearly
spoke but it also had a SPIRITUAL meaning that the
"Gentiles" were now being allowed into the pasture of God
just as the Jewish people were.
IDOL WORSHIPPING FACTS
BAD MEAT OFFERING - MEAT OFFERED TO IDOLS TROUBLE
When the vision was
completed, Peter was pondering on the vision and men came to
bring Peter to the house of a "Gentile" who was to hear the
Gospel from Peter.
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Acts
10:17-34
Now while Peter doubted in
himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men
which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and
stood before the gate, And called, and asked whether Simon, which was
surnamed Peter, were lodged there. While Peter thought on the vision, the
SPIRIT SAID
the unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee
down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. Then Peter
went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said,
Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? And
they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God,
and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God
by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of
thee. Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter
went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. And
the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for
them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And as
Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and
worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am
a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were
come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful
thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another
nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or
unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was
sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? And
Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the
ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in
bright clothing, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms
are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and
call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of
one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto
thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that
thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear
all things that are commanded thee of God. Then Peter opened his mouth,
and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons
...
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IDOL WORSHIPPING FALSEHOOD
BAD MEAT OFFERING - MEAT OFFERED TO IDOLS LIE
The JEWISH Apostles had a
disagreement tho. Some thought the Gentiles that became
Christians were to obey the old Jewish laws and customs but
The Holy Spirit
told them what should be and this is it:
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Acts 15:28-29
It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to require no more burden
than these necessary things, that you
abstain from meats offered to idols,
and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from
which if you keep yourselves, you'll do well. |
In short if you are not
Jewish ... YOU are a GENTILE. You are not BOUND to JEWISH
customs of the Old Covenant. As Christians, we are bound
under the NEW COVENANT (New Testament) not the Old Covenant
just as our Father said He has broken the Old Covenant.
Now did you notice that in
the commands to the gentiles, that it spoke of abstaining
from meats offered to idols? Perhaps you are wondering what
is that all about ... Paul brings light to this issue as
well:
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1 Corinthians
8:4-8
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. For though there be that are called gods, whether
in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 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. 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. 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. |
IDOL WORSHIPPING TALK
BAD MEAT OFFERING - MEAT OFFERED TO IDOLS DEBATE
Paul's language can be a lil
tricky so let's put it like this ... There is ONLY one GOD.
So any meat being offered to an idol (false god) is really
nothing as these false gods DO NOT EXIST. But everyone is
not aware of this TRUTH and eat certain meats and BELIEVE
these meats are symbolic so it is the BELIEF that brings it
to life and since we, as Christians do NOT believe we are
not subject to their ritual. Meats do NOT get us closer to
God. So whether we eat meat or not, matters not.
HOWEVER ... Paul added to his words knowing that drama could
occur over this and taught us what we should do.
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1 Corinthian
8:9-13
But take
heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to
them that are weak. 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; And through
thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But
when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye
sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will
eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. |
Paul is saying that the
FREEDOM we receive from knowing the TRUTH of this matter
which sets us free from the false belief ... May cause those
who are unable to comprehend the TRUTH to get CON-fused. We
seek NOT to hurt our fellow Christian's faith so not to eat
such food in front of them.
IDOL WORSHIPPING DECEPTION
BAD MEAT OFFERING - MEAT OFFERED TO IDOLS TRAP
In other words ... If you are
at your fav local breakfast restaurant like IHOP or Dennys,
wearing your cross to represent Jesus having your usual two
eggs two slices of bacon, toast and coffee and someone comes
up and says heyyyyyyy I see you are wearing the
Cross BUT you are also eating bacon which is pork which may be the meat
offered to the god of the swine people tribe or something ...
Since you have no time to share what I have just shared, it
is best to pick up those two pieces of bacon, set them in
your napkin and fold it gently (If bacon is crisp) and when
they walk away, open up that napkin and enjoy your bacon in peace. This will be
walking that second mile ...
Or, IF you do have the time ...
You could just explain this TRUTH to them as Paul did to us.
My friend, our Lord Jesus
said it best when He said:
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Mark 7:18-20
Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever
thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it
entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the
draught, purging all MEATS?
And He said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
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IDOL WORSHIPPING IS WRONG
BAD MEAT OFFERING - MEAT OFFERED TO IDOLS IS FAKE
In other words ... It is NOT
the meat that goes into us, but rather the words and deeds
that come out of us that will be judged.
The Apostle Paul further addresses the meats issue:
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1 Timothy 4:1-4
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall
depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of
devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a
hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and
COMMANDING TO ABSTAIN FROM MEATS,
which God hath created to be
received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For
EVERY CREATURE OF GOD IS GOOD, and NOTHING TO BE REFUSED, if it BE
RECEIVED WITH THANKSGIVING...
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IDOL WORSHIPPING DISASTER
BAD MEAT OFFERING - MEAT OFFERED TO IDOLS PIT
Sooooooo, we find that
that those bacon loving rascals across the world are NOT
sentenced to an eternity in Hell nor do they need to fall to
their knees and beg for forgiveness for their passion for
pork despite the MEAT OFFERED TO IDOLS laws of the Old Covenant.
What one should truly beware
is ... Quoting customs of the Israelites BEFORE the New
Covenant and placing the burdens of the Old Covenant between
God and the Israelites on fellow Christians.
The Grace versus Law issue is
a tricky one. Jesus made it clear that the LAW was not being
destroyed but rather ... Fulfilled.
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Matthew 5:17-19
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not
come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and
earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till
all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least
commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the
kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall
be called great in the kingdom of heaven. |
God explains this best when
HE said that with the New Covenant, He will put the laws
WITHIN our Hearts.
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Jeremiah 31:33
But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel;
After those days, saith the LORD,
I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts;
and will be their God, and they shall be my people. |
Someone asked Jesus ...
Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Here is our Lord's response:
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Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and
great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all
the law
and the prophets. |
The FOUNDATION of the "law"
is to Love God with all your heart, soul and mind and to
Love one another. If you CHOOSE do this everything else will
fall into place.
IDOL WORSHIPPING CONCLUSION
BAD MEAT OFFERING - MEAT OFFERED TO IDOLS SUMMARY
So you see the LAW was not CHANGED but rather FULFILLED. The
Israelites WERE God's chosen people and now Christians ARE God's chosen people and
Peter just had to get over his worldly view of the "law" and
understand it's SPIRITUAL TRUTH.
This works the same with ... MEAT OFFERED TO IDOLS.
Seek not to judge others by
use of laws, but rather to share TRUTH of GRACE with LOVE.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you discernment and
understanding in all matters before quoting LAW unless you
understand the Spiritual depths of said law.
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Galatians 2:21
I
do not frustrate the Grace of God.
For if righteousness comes by the LAW ... Then Christ is dead in
vain. |
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Ephesians 2:8-9
For
by Grace are ye saved
through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works,
lest any man should boast.
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Happy you were here to share this Daily Bread. Join in
again soon for our next study of the First Epistle of
Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians.
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