Sermon Video: Disputable Matters Part 1: Knowledge vs. Love - 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

In this first of a three part series examining chapter 8 of 1 Corinthians, Paul discusses an issue which had divided the Christian community in Corinth.  The particular issue at Corinth was the association of the meat that they ate with pagan idol worship.  Before answering the question of the propriety of eating such meat in chapter 10, Paul first speaks to the principles which underpin our decision making process, as Christians, in the areas which are "disputable".  Which begs the question, how do we define what is disputable and what is not?  The primary criteria for such a distinction is this: Does the Bible directly address the issue in question or not?  What the Word of God directly commends or condemns remains normative for all Christians, no matter when or where they live.  Yet the Bible is not exhaustive, there are situations we face each day which require Christians to consider Biblical principles and our own conscience instead of direct instruction (which in many cases is not available).  So then, those areas not directly addressed in Scripture are "debatable" and we ought to expect various Christians to come to somewhat different conclusions about them.
How do we act when dealing with an issue about which we disagree with a fellow Christian(s)?  Paul warns us that knowledge, while we all have the capacity to have some of it, is never perfect.  Therefore, our certainty regarding debatable matters ought to be tempered by humility rather than bolstered by pride.  Lastly, Paul reminds us that love is the hallmark of those known by God, for it is the Fruit of the Spirit that confirms the faith of God's people, not their answers to a quiz about non-core issues of theology.

In the end, the first part of Paul's discussion of debatable matters reminds us that even though we all "know" what we think on various issues, we must remain humble and not let pride harden our hearts to those who disagree with us.  What you or I think about issues not directly addressed in Scripture is a matter of freedom given to us by God, whether or not we love our fellow Christians is not; that requirement is clearly spelled out for us in God's Word.

To watch the video, click on the link below: