1 Corinthians 8:3 (NKJV) 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.
As the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 8 begins, Paul is addressing the issue of eating things (foods) that have been offered to idols.
The Christians in Corinth came from a culture that was steeped in various forms of idolatry. And many of their practices included making offerings (sacrifices) to those idols.
The overall message from Paul on this topic (see 1 Corinthians 3:8-10) is that idols are nothing. They are simply false “gods” that are meaningless and lacking power.
So, if a person (a believer) understands that these idols are false (counterfeit) and powerless, then they should feel no guilt about eating such foods because they understand the sovereignty of God and the fact that they have been set free from such things by the blood of Christ.
They are no longer subject to the powers of darkness. Hence, the fact that a food item was offered to a false god means nothing to them.
In his discourse, however, Paul teaches these believers that some, especially those who are still young and immature in their walk with Christ, may be prone to stumbling (or guilt) if they witness another believer eating food that was offered to an idol.
Knowing this, he encourages the mature believers to consider staying away from these foods so as not to cause their less mature spiritual siblings in the faith to stumble or suffer from unnecessary guilt.
What is truly intriguing in this discourse is what Paul stated in verse 3, above.
He makes a very plain statement that if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.
The message that paul is conveying here is that if a person loves God, then God is aware of that love for Him, and He knows that person, thereby eliminating any possibility of condemnation on His part.
He knows their heart!
While studying this, a few different translations were compared to get a bigger picture and a more thorough understanding for the sake of accuracy.
Although the New Living Translation (NLT) is not a translation that I recommend for pinpoint accuracy in its translation, for this verse it brought the most clarity, stating very plainly the truth of what Paul was saying.
1 Corinthians 8:3 (NLT) 3 But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.
You see, when we love God, He knows it. We are known by Him.
This echoes the words of Jesus, when He said that He knows His sheep.
John 10:27 (NKJV) 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
This should bring great comfort and security to us as His children.
He knows us. We are recognized by the Father. Amen 🙏
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!
To have the Bible Verse of The Day delivered to your inbox each day, please Click Here and then enter your email address in the box near the upper left corner of the page.
Please consider making a Donation.
Get our mobile app here:
Android: http://goo.gl/oQ6qa7
Apple: http://apple.co/2lZdgYy