Knowledge

Season 2 Episode 11 -- What was the "knowledge" that the apostle Paul was referring to when he wrote to the believers in Corinth that "knowledge puffs up" (1 Corinthians 8:1)? And what important principle does God want us to see and embrace from this verse?  So many questions!  But you are in luck -- today's episode has all the answers!

"Reflect on This" is a once-weekly, short devotional podcast. In these devotionals, I share the things I am learning about the ways and nature of God, in what I hope are practical and meaningful ways.
 
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Resources that inspired some episodes:

"The Pleasure of His Company" by Dutch Sheets

"Fresh Air" by Chris Hodges

“Dream Small:  The Secret Power of the Ordinary Christian Life” by Seth Lewis
 
 Blog by Seth Lewis:  https://sethlewis.ie/

“The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman

"The Lies We Believe: Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life" by Dr. Chris Thurman

Featured ministries and resources:
 
“Agape Puppets” (ministry)
This is an amazing world-wide ministry that uses puppet shows to reach children (and their parents) for Christ, in cultures that are generally not very open to the Gospel.  To learn more, go to: https://theagapepuppets.org/ 

"Manufacture Good" (ministry)
 Manufacture Good is a Christian ministry that offers 3-month paid apprenticeships to unemployed young men.  These apprentices learn valuable woodworking and metalworking skills which lead to employment opportunities.  The sale of the high-quality furniture they produce supports the ministry.  You can shop their catalog of fine home and office products, order a standard or custom piece of furniture, and learn more about this amazing ministry, at: https://manufacturegood.org/.

"The World and Everything in It" (podcast)
This is a weekday 35-minute podcast that presents headline news, in-depth news articles, media reviews, and opinion pieces from a Christian world view.  Their stated mission is "biblically objective journalism that informs, educates, and inspires."
 
“Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage” (podcast) 
This is a once a week 30-minute podcast hosted by Greg and Erin Smalley, who head up the marriage team at Focus on the Family.  Each episode addresses a different aspect of marriage, using biblical principles, featured guests, practical advice, and a mixture of humor and candidness.  
 
"Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope" (podcast)
This is a 4-minute weekday podcast, where Joni shares stories of her life and biblical applications.  One of the world's longest living quadriplegics, God has used her courage, determination, faithfulness, and love to inspire and minister in amazing ways to people around the world.    
 
"e-Sword" (Bible study software)
This study tool includes many free public domain resources (and many other resources for purchase), including Bibles, dictionaries, commentaries, devotionals, and maps.  You can simultaneously view multiple Bible translations, a dictionary, and a commentary.  
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Music credits:
Beauty by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/
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Transcript

Today, I want to take a close look at the following verse:

1 Corinthians 8:1 (NIV) Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that "We all possess knowledge." But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.

Paul was addressing an area of the everyday practices of the early believers that was causing some to stumble:  eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols.  I addressed this in more detail in an earlier episode of this podcast, as an example of exercising grace within the body of Christ.  For today, I merely want to show the context for today’s passage.  What is the “knowledge” that Paul is referring to, when he says that “knowledge puffs up?”  He gives the answer in the following verses of the same chapter:

1 Corinthians 8:6-9 (NIV) For us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. [7] But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. [8] But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. [9] Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

Paul mentions here that they possessed an important knowledge:  that there are not multiple gods, but rather only one God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus Christ (verse 6).

I believe that God wants us to see a very important principle from today’s passage, that applies not only to this specific issue of Paul’s day but to everything we do today.  The principle is the danger of knowledge.

What is the danger of knowledge?  The primary danger is that it develops pride in us.

1 Cor. 8:1b - Knowledge puffs up…

And the Bible is very clear about the dangers of pride:

• It leads to destruction and failure.  
  • Proverbs 16:18 (NIV) Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
• It leads to hopelessness.  
  • Proverbs 26:12 (NIV) Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.

So, how do we avoid becoming proud about the spiritual knowledge that God has given us, and insensitive and unloving to those around us?  Thankfully, the Scriptures give us a biblical sequence for our spiritual development that helps us to avoid pride.  See if you can find this proper sequence in the following passage:

2 Peter 1:5-7 ESV  For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,  (6)  and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,  (7)  and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

What is the sequence?  

1.       Faith

2.      Virtue

3.      Knowledge… (and so forth)

Why is this sequence important?  

• To avoid pride.  We must first develop faith and virtuous character, so that our knowledge will not “puff us up” but instead supplement our faith and character.
• To keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our walk of faith.
  • 2 Peter 1:8 (NIV) For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

How does being humble and loving others benefit others?

• They receive the help of us carrying their burdens with them.  
  • Galatians 6:2 (NIV) Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  And what is the law of Christ?  Jesus Himself said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34 NIV)
• They receive the motivation to, in turn, do acts of compassion and love to others.
  • Hebrews 10:24 (TPT) Discover creative ways to encourage others and to motivate them toward acts of compassion, doing beautiful works as expressions of love.

But here is the surprise I discovered as I reflected upon today’s verse:  being humble and loving others benefits me as well.  How?

• It gives me wisdom.
  • Proverbs 11:2 (NIV) When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
• It gives me harmony and peace with others.
  • Romans 15:5-6 (NIV) May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, [6] so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, what is today’s big idea?  To avoid pride, I will focus on developing my faith and virtuous character before knowledge, because “knowledge puffs up [me], while love builds up [others].”  This will be a blessing to others and to me.

Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”