Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Body » The body of Christ
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings on your behalf; and I am filling up in my own body what is yet lacking of the sufferings of Christ in behalf of the church, his Body.
For even as we have many members in one body, and not all members have the same function; so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and we are severally members of one another. But we have gifts differing according to the grace which was given to us. He that has the gift of prophecy, let him prophesy according to the proportion of his faith. read more.
If it is the gift of administration, let us give ourselves to our service. Let the teacher give himself to his teaching; and he who exhorts others to his exhortation. He who gives, let him do it in singleness of mind. He who rules, let him rule with diligence; and he who shows mercy must be cheerful.
If it is the gift of administration, let us give ourselves to our service. Let the teacher give himself to his teaching; and he who exhorts others to his exhortation. He who gives, let him do it in singleness of mind. He who rules, let him rule with diligence; and he who shows mercy must be cheerful.
You know, do you not, that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them members of a harlot? God forbid! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a harlot is one with her in body? (For God says, The two shall become one flesh.) While a man who is united with the Lord is one with Him in spirit?
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a common participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a common participation in the body of Christ? Because we who are many are one bread, one body, for we all do share in the one loaf.
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, although they be many, are one body; so also is Christ. And we can see this, for in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jew or Gentile, whether slave or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. read more.
If the foot should say, "Because I am a hand, I am not part a part the body," would it not indeed be a part of the body? Or if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body," would it be any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were hearing? If all were hearing, where were smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body as it has pleased him. If all were one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you". nor again of head to the feet, "I have no need for you." On the contrary, we need those members of the body which seem to be weaker; upon those parts of the body which we esteem less honorable, we bestow more abundant honor, and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For whereas our comely parts have no need, God has tempered the body together, giving more abundant honor to that member in which lacked; that there should be no disunion in the body, but that members mutual care for one another. When one member suffers, all the others suffer with it; and when one member is honored, all the members are glad with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and individually members of it. And God has appointed those in the church to be first of all apostles, second, prophets, third, teachers. then workers of miracles, healers, helpers, administrators, users of various kinds of "tongues." Are all apostles? Are all prophets? teachers? workers of miracles? Have all gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? Desire earnestly the greater gifts. And yet I will go on to show you a still more excellent way.
If the foot should say, "Because I am a hand, I am not part a part the body," would it not indeed be a part of the body? Or if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body," would it be any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were hearing? If all were hearing, where were smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body as it has pleased him. If all were one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you". nor again of head to the feet, "I have no need for you." On the contrary, we need those members of the body which seem to be weaker; upon those parts of the body which we esteem less honorable, we bestow more abundant honor, and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For whereas our comely parts have no need, God has tempered the body together, giving more abundant honor to that member in which lacked; that there should be no disunion in the body, but that members mutual care for one another. When one member suffers, all the others suffer with it; and when one member is honored, all the members are glad with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and individually members of it. And God has appointed those in the church to be first of all apostles, second, prophets, third, teachers. then workers of miracles, healers, helpers, administrators, users of various kinds of "tongues." Are all apostles? Are all prophets? teachers? workers of miracles? Have all gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? Desire earnestly the greater gifts. And yet I will go on to show you a still more excellent way.
and what the surpassing greatness of his might in us who believe, as seen in the energy of that resistless might which he exercised in raising Christ from the dead, and in seating him at his right hand in the heavenly heights, far above all hierarchies and authorities and powers and dominions and every name that is named, not only in this age but in that which is to come. read more.
God has put all things under Christ's feet, and placed him as Head over all in the church, which is his body, the fulness of Him who fills the universe.
God has put all things under Christ's feet, and placed him as Head over all in the church, which is his body, the fulness of Him who fills the universe.
I summon you then, I the prisoner in the Lord, to live lives worthy of the calling to which you were called. With all humility and gentleness and long-suffering forbear with one another in love; and endeavor to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace. read more.
There is one body and one spirit, even as also you were called in one hope of your calling. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. And to each one of us was grace given according to the measure of the munificence of Christ. Thus it is said, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive and gave gifts to men. Now surely this "he ascended" implies that he also descended into the lower part of the earth. He who descended is he who ascended above the highest heaven, that he might fill the universe. It is he who made some men apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, in order to equip the saints for the work of serving, for the building up of the Body of Christ??13 till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to the maturity of manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. So we shall no longer be children, tossed up and down, and blown about by every wind of teaching, tricked by the craft of men in the snares of misleading error; but holding the truth in love we shall grow up in every part into him who is our Head, even Christ. From him the whole body (knit together and compacted by all its joints) makes continual growth of the body so as to build itself up in love, through the energy of his bounteous provision, according to the need of each several part.
There is one body and one spirit, even as also you were called in one hope of your calling. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. And to each one of us was grace given according to the measure of the munificence of Christ. Thus it is said, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive and gave gifts to men. Now surely this "he ascended" implies that he also descended into the lower part of the earth. He who descended is he who ascended above the highest heaven, that he might fill the universe. It is he who made some men apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, in order to equip the saints for the work of serving, for the building up of the Body of Christ??13 till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to the maturity of manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. So we shall no longer be children, tossed up and down, and blown about by every wind of teaching, tricked by the craft of men in the snares of misleading error; but holding the truth in love we shall grow up in every part into him who is our Head, even Christ. From him the whole body (knit together and compacted by all its joints) makes continual growth of the body so as to build itself up in love, through the energy of his bounteous provision, according to the need of each several part.
Wives likewise to their husbands as to the Lord, because a husband is the head of his wife even as Christ is head of the church, his body, which he saves. But as the church submits itself to Christ, so also wives to their husbands in everything. read more.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her, in order that after cleansing her in the bath of baptism, he might sanctify her by his word, so as to present her to himself, the church glorified, without spot or wrinkle or any such blemish; but on the contrary holy and faultless. That is how husbands ought to love their wives, as they love their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it as Christ does the church; for we are members of his body. For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. There is a deep mystery here?? am speaking of Christ and his church. But as for you individually, you must each one of you love his own wife exactly as if she were yourself; and the wife, on her part, should reverence her husband.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her, in order that after cleansing her in the bath of baptism, he might sanctify her by his word, so as to present her to himself, the church glorified, without spot or wrinkle or any such blemish; but on the contrary holy and faultless. That is how husbands ought to love their wives, as they love their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it as Christ does the church; for we are members of his body. For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. There is a deep mystery here?? am speaking of Christ and his church. But as for you individually, you must each one of you love his own wife exactly as if she were yourself; and the wife, on her part, should reverence her husband.
Let the peace of Christ, to which also you were called in one body, rule in your hearts, and show yourselves thankful.
Church » Sacraments of sacraments of, baptism » Sacrament of the lord's supper
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread and, when he had blessed it, he broke it and gave to his disciples, saying, "Take, eat, this is my body."
And as they were eating he took bread, and after the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "Take it, this is my body."
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a common participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a common participation in the body of Christ?
For I passed on to you the account, which I myself received from the Lord; how the Lord Jesus, on the very night he was betrayed, took bread,
Communion » With Christ with God » The sacrament of
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread and, when he had blessed it, he broke it and gave to his disciples, saying, "Take, eat, this is my body."
And as they were eating he took bread, and after the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "Take it, this is my body."
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a common participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a common participation in the body of Christ?
For I passed on to you the account, which I myself received from the Lord; how the Lord Jesus, on the very night he was betrayed, took bread,
Communion of the lord's supper » Is the communion of the body and blood of Christ
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a common participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a common participation in the body of Christ?
Communion with God » Saints » Have, in the lord's supper
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a common participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a common participation in the body of Christ?
Lord's » Days » Supper, the
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread and, when he had blessed it, he broke it and gave to his disciples, saying, "Take, eat, this is my body."
And as they were eating he took bread, and after the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "Take it, this is my body."
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a common participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a common participation in the body of Christ?
For I passed on to you the account, which I myself received from the Lord; how the Lord Jesus, on the very night he was betrayed, took bread,
Meat » Sacrificed
I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is in itself unclean; but any food is "unclean" for one who considers it "unclean." If your brother is continually pained because of your food, you are not conducting yourself any longer in love. Do not, by what you eat, persist in destroying a man for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what is right, so far as you are concerned, be evil spoken of. read more.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Those who are slaving for Christ devotedly in these ways, are well pleasing to God and highly commended by man. So then let is eagerly pursue the things that make for peace and the upbuilding of each other. Do not, for the sake of food, be tearing down God's work. All food indeed is ceremonially clean, but a man is in the wrong if his food proves a stumbling-block. The right course is not to eat meat, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything through which your brother is made to stumble. Have you faith? Keep it to yourself as in the presence of God. He is a happy man who does not condemn himself in that which he approves. But he who has misgivings, and yet eats meat, is condemned already, because his action is not based on faith; and whatever is not based on faith is sin.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Those who are slaving for Christ devotedly in these ways, are well pleasing to God and highly commended by man. So then let is eagerly pursue the things that make for peace and the upbuilding of each other. Do not, for the sake of food, be tearing down God's work. All food indeed is ceremonially clean, but a man is in the wrong if his food proves a stumbling-block. The right course is not to eat meat, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything through which your brother is made to stumble. Have you faith? Keep it to yourself as in the presence of God. He is a happy man who does not condemn himself in that which he approves. But he who has misgivings, and yet eats meat, is condemned already, because his action is not based on faith; and whatever is not based on faith is sin.
Now in regard to food which has been offered to idols, we are sure of course that "we all have knowledge." But knowledge puffs up, while love builds up. If a man thinks that he already has knowledge, he does not yet truly know as he ought to know; but if a man loves God, he is known by him. read more.
Now as to eating food that has been offered to idols, we know well that an idol has no real existence in the universe, and that there is no God but One. For though there be so-called "gods," celestial of terrestrial, as indeed there are gods many and lords many, yet for there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. But that "knowledge" is not possessed by all; but some, accustomed until now to the idol, eat food as that which has actually been offered to an idol, and so their conscience, being still weak, is defiled. Now food does not bring us nearness to God. Neither if we eat do we gain any advantage, nor if we eat not, do we lose any. But see to it lest this right of yours become a stumbling-block to the weak. For if any one should see you, the possessor of "knowledge," reclining at table in an idol's temple, would not his conscience, if he were weak, be emboldened to eat things sacrificed to idols? So he is lost, this weak man, lost by your "knowledge." this brother for whom Christ died. In so sinning against your brothers, and in ever and again wounding their weak consciences, you are sinning against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat makes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, lest I make my brother to stumble.
Now as to eating food that has been offered to idols, we know well that an idol has no real existence in the universe, and that there is no God but One. For though there be so-called "gods," celestial of terrestrial, as indeed there are gods many and lords many, yet for there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. But that "knowledge" is not possessed by all; but some, accustomed until now to the idol, eat food as that which has actually been offered to an idol, and so their conscience, being still weak, is defiled. Now food does not bring us nearness to God. Neither if we eat do we gain any advantage, nor if we eat not, do we lose any. But see to it lest this right of yours become a stumbling-block to the weak. For if any one should see you, the possessor of "knowledge," reclining at table in an idol's temple, would not his conscience, if he were weak, be emboldened to eat things sacrificed to idols? So he is lost, this weak man, lost by your "knowledge." this brother for whom Christ died. In so sinning against your brothers, and in ever and again wounding their weak consciences, you are sinning against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat makes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, lest I make my brother to stumble.
So then, my beloved, continually flee from idolatry. I am speaking to men of sense; do you yourselves judge what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a common participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a common participation in the body of Christ? read more.
Because we who are many are one bread, one body, for we all do share in the one loaf. Look at Israel according to the flesh; are not those who eat the sacrifices in communion with the altar? What then shall we say? that an offering to an idol is anything? or that an idol is really anything? On the contrary, what the heathen sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have communion with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and also the cup of demons; you cannot be partakers in the Lord's table and in the table of demons. What! would we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? "All things are lawful," you say? But not all things are expedient; "all things are lawful"; but not all build up. Let not each one be always seeking his own, but rather his neighbor's good. Eat anything that is for sale in the markets, asking no questions for conscience sake; for the earth and its fulness are the Lord's. If one who is not a believer invites you to his house, and you wish to go, eat everything that is set before you, without asking questions for conscience sake. But if any one tells you, "This food has been offered in sacrifice," do not eat it, for the sake of him who told you, and for your conscience sake??is conscience, not your own. "But," you may object, "why should my freedom be decided upon another's scruples of conscience? If I eat after giving thanks, why am I denounced for eating that for which I have given thanks?" Because whether you are eating or whether you are drinking, you are to do it all for the glory of God. Do not be a cause of stumbling either to Jews of to Gentiles, or to the church of God. For so I also try to please all men in every way, not by seeking my own good, but the good of the many, that they may be saved.
Because we who are many are one bread, one body, for we all do share in the one loaf. Look at Israel according to the flesh; are not those who eat the sacrifices in communion with the altar? What then shall we say? that an offering to an idol is anything? or that an idol is really anything? On the contrary, what the heathen sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have communion with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and also the cup of demons; you cannot be partakers in the Lord's table and in the table of demons. What! would we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? "All things are lawful," you say? But not all things are expedient; "all things are lawful"; but not all build up. Let not each one be always seeking his own, but rather his neighbor's good. Eat anything that is for sale in the markets, asking no questions for conscience sake; for the earth and its fulness are the Lord's. If one who is not a believer invites you to his house, and you wish to go, eat everything that is set before you, without asking questions for conscience sake. But if any one tells you, "This food has been offered in sacrifice," do not eat it, for the sake of him who told you, and for your conscience sake??is conscience, not your own. "But," you may object, "why should my freedom be decided upon another's scruples of conscience? If I eat after giving thanks, why am I denounced for eating that for which I have given thanks?" Because whether you are eating or whether you are drinking, you are to do it all for the glory of God. Do not be a cause of stumbling either to Jews of to Gentiles, or to the church of God. For so I also try to please all men in every way, not by seeking my own good, but the good of the many, that they may be saved.
Partaking » Who partakes with the lord
It is for discipline that you are enduring these sufferings. God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all children share, then are you bastards and not sons. Furthermore, our earthly fathers used to discipline us, and we gave them reverence. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? read more.
For they only disciplined us for a few days, as seemed good to them; but he does it for our profit, that we may share his holiness.
For they only disciplined us for a few days, as seemed good to them; but he does it for our profit, that we may share his holiness.
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles??2 for surely you have heard of the stewardship of the grace of God entrusted to me for you? You have heard how by direct revelation the secret truth was made known to me, as I have already briefly written you. By reading what I have written, you can judge of my insight into that secret truth of Christ read more.
which was not disclosed to the sons of men in former generations, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets, namely, that in Christ Jesus the Gentiles form one body with us the Jews, and are coheirs and copartners in the promise, through the gospel.
which was not disclosed to the sons of men in former generations, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets, namely, that in Christ Jesus the Gentiles form one body with us the Jews, and are coheirs and copartners in the promise, through the gospel.
Then I ask, Did God cast off his people? No indeed. For I also am an Israelite, a son of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God did not cast off his people whom he foreknew. For do you not know what is said in the Scripture about Elijah? how he pleaded with God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, they have overthrown thine altars; And now I alone am left, and they seek my life. read more.
But what was the answer of God to him? I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal. In the same way also at this time there is a remnant chosen by gift of grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer of works; or else grace is no more grace. What then? that which Israel has been seeking for, that he has not obtained; but the chosen have obtained it, and the rest have been hardened. According as it is written, God has given them a spirit of slumber, Eyes that they should not see, Ears that they should not hear, unto this day. As David says. Let their table be made a snare and a trap, And a stumbling-block and a recompense unto them; Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, And bow thou down their backs forever. I ask then, "Have they stumbled so as to fall?" No indeed; but by their lapse salvation has come unto Gentiles, "to provoke Israel to jealousy." Now if their stumbling enriches the world, and their loss enriches the Gentiles, how much more must their fulness do! For to you who are Gentiles I say that since I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I glorify my ministry, if by any means I might "provoke to jealousy" my kinsmen, and save some among them. For if their casting out is the reconciliation of the world to God, what will their restoration be but life out of death? Now if the first-fruits of the dough Abraham and the Patriarchs are holy, so also is the whole mass their descendants. And if the root of a tree Abraham is holy, so also are the branches his descendants. Supposing that some of the branches have been broken off, and you, although you were but a wild olive, have been grafted in among the branches and have become a partaker with them of the fatness of the olive tree, do not glory over the branches;
But what was the answer of God to him? I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal. In the same way also at this time there is a remnant chosen by gift of grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer of works; or else grace is no more grace. What then? that which Israel has been seeking for, that he has not obtained; but the chosen have obtained it, and the rest have been hardened. According as it is written, God has given them a spirit of slumber, Eyes that they should not see, Ears that they should not hear, unto this day. As David says. Let their table be made a snare and a trap, And a stumbling-block and a recompense unto them; Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, And bow thou down their backs forever. I ask then, "Have they stumbled so as to fall?" No indeed; but by their lapse salvation has come unto Gentiles, "to provoke Israel to jealousy." Now if their stumbling enriches the world, and their loss enriches the Gentiles, how much more must their fulness do! For to you who are Gentiles I say that since I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I glorify my ministry, if by any means I might "provoke to jealousy" my kinsmen, and save some among them. For if their casting out is the reconciliation of the world to God, what will their restoration be but life out of death? Now if the first-fruits of the dough Abraham and the Patriarchs are holy, so also is the whole mass their descendants. And if the root of a tree Abraham is holy, so also are the branches his descendants. Supposing that some of the branches have been broken off, and you, although you were but a wild olive, have been grafted in among the branches and have become a partaker with them of the fatness of the olive tree, do not glory over the branches;
So then, my beloved, continually flee from idolatry. I am speaking to men of sense; do you yourselves judge what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a common participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a common participation in the body of Christ? read more.
Because we who are many are one bread, one body, for we all do share in the one loaf. Look at Israel according to the flesh; are not those who eat the sacrifices in communion with the altar?
Because we who are many are one bread, one body, for we all do share in the one loaf. Look at Israel according to the flesh; are not those who eat the sacrifices in communion with the altar?
For this reason from the day I heard of it I have never ceased to pray for you, asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will with every kind of wisdom and spiritual insight; that you may walk worthy of the Lord in every kind of pleasing; that you may be fruitful in every kind of good work, and may increase in the knowledge of God; that you may be strengthened in every kind of strength by the might of his glory for every kind of patience and fortitude with good cheer. read more.
I ask that you may give thanks to the Father who has made us fit to receive our share of the heritage of the saints in the light. For he has delivered us out of the dominion of the darkness, and transplanted us into the kingdom of his dear Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins.
I ask that you may give thanks to the Father who has made us fit to receive our share of the heritage of the saints in the light. For he has delivered us out of the dominion of the darkness, and transplanted us into the kingdom of his dear Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins.
Let those who are under the yoke as slaves esteem their masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teachings be not blasphemed. Those whose masters are Christian believers must not treat them with disrespect, because they are brothers; nay, rather slave for them the better because those who get the benefit of their services are believing and beloved. Continue to teach and preach this.
Do not think it strange, beloved, that a fiery ordeal has come to test you, as though some surprising thing had befallen you. But be glad in the degree in which you share in the sufferings of Christ; so that when his glory shall be revealed, you too may be glad with triumphant gladness. If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the spirit of glory and of God is resting upon you.
Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained an equally precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be multiplied to you by the God and Father of Jesus our Lord. For his power divine has granted to us everything needful for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue. read more.
By these he has granted his promises to us, precious and splendid; so that through them you may become partners of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
By these he has granted his promises to us, precious and splendid; so that through them you may become partners of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Sacrifice » Meat » Idols
I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is in itself unclean; but any food is "unclean" for one who considers it "unclean." If your brother is continually pained because of your food, you are not conducting yourself any longer in love. Do not, by what you eat, persist in destroying a man for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what is right, so far as you are concerned, be evil spoken of. read more.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Those who are slaving for Christ devotedly in these ways, are well pleasing to God and highly commended by man. So then let is eagerly pursue the things that make for peace and the upbuilding of each other. Do not, for the sake of food, be tearing down God's work. All food indeed is ceremonially clean, but a man is in the wrong if his food proves a stumbling-block. The right course is not to eat meat, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything through which your brother is made to stumble. Have you faith? Keep it to yourself as in the presence of God. He is a happy man who does not condemn himself in that which he approves. But he who has misgivings, and yet eats meat, is condemned already, because his action is not based on faith; and whatever is not based on faith is sin.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Those who are slaving for Christ devotedly in these ways, are well pleasing to God and highly commended by man. So then let is eagerly pursue the things that make for peace and the upbuilding of each other. Do not, for the sake of food, be tearing down God's work. All food indeed is ceremonially clean, but a man is in the wrong if his food proves a stumbling-block. The right course is not to eat meat, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything through which your brother is made to stumble. Have you faith? Keep it to yourself as in the presence of God. He is a happy man who does not condemn himself in that which he approves. But he who has misgivings, and yet eats meat, is condemned already, because his action is not based on faith; and whatever is not based on faith is sin.
Now in regard to food which has been offered to idols, we are sure of course that "we all have knowledge." But knowledge puffs up, while love builds up. If a man thinks that he already has knowledge, he does not yet truly know as he ought to know; but if a man loves God, he is known by him. read more.
Now as to eating food that has been offered to idols, we know well that an idol has no real existence in the universe, and that there is no God but One. For though there be so-called "gods," celestial of terrestrial, as indeed there are gods many and lords many, yet for there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. But that "knowledge" is not possessed by all; but some, accustomed until now to the idol, eat food as that which has actually been offered to an idol, and so their conscience, being still weak, is defiled. Now food does not bring us nearness to God. Neither if we eat do we gain any advantage, nor if we eat not, do we lose any. But see to it lest this right of yours become a stumbling-block to the weak. For if any one should see you, the possessor of "knowledge," reclining at table in an idol's temple, would not his conscience, if he were weak, be emboldened to eat things sacrificed to idols? So he is lost, this weak man, lost by your "knowledge." this brother for whom Christ died. In so sinning against your brothers, and in ever and again wounding their weak consciences, you are sinning against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat makes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, lest I make my brother to stumble.
Now as to eating food that has been offered to idols, we know well that an idol has no real existence in the universe, and that there is no God but One. For though there be so-called "gods," celestial of terrestrial, as indeed there are gods many and lords many, yet for there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. But that "knowledge" is not possessed by all; but some, accustomed until now to the idol, eat food as that which has actually been offered to an idol, and so their conscience, being still weak, is defiled. Now food does not bring us nearness to God. Neither if we eat do we gain any advantage, nor if we eat not, do we lose any. But see to it lest this right of yours become a stumbling-block to the weak. For if any one should see you, the possessor of "knowledge," reclining at table in an idol's temple, would not his conscience, if he were weak, be emboldened to eat things sacrificed to idols? So he is lost, this weak man, lost by your "knowledge." this brother for whom Christ died. In so sinning against your brothers, and in ever and again wounding their weak consciences, you are sinning against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat makes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, lest I make my brother to stumble.
So then, my beloved, continually flee from idolatry. I am speaking to men of sense; do you yourselves judge what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a common participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a common participation in the body of Christ? read more.
Because we who are many are one bread, one body, for we all do share in the one loaf. Look at Israel according to the flesh; are not those who eat the sacrifices in communion with the altar? What then shall we say? that an offering to an idol is anything? or that an idol is really anything? On the contrary, what the heathen sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have communion with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and also the cup of demons; you cannot be partakers in the Lord's table and in the table of demons. What! would we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? "All things are lawful," you say? But not all things are expedient; "all things are lawful"; but not all build up. Let not each one be always seeking his own, but rather his neighbor's good. Eat anything that is for sale in the markets, asking no questions for conscience sake; for the earth and its fulness are the Lord's. If one who is not a believer invites you to his house, and you wish to go, eat everything that is set before you, without asking questions for conscience sake. But if any one tells you, "This food has been offered in sacrifice," do not eat it, for the sake of him who told you, and for your conscience sake??is conscience, not your own. "But," you may object, "why should my freedom be decided upon another's scruples of conscience? If I eat after giving thanks, why am I denounced for eating that for which I have given thanks?" Because whether you are eating or whether you are drinking, you are to do it all for the glory of God. Do not be a cause of stumbling either to Jews of to Gentiles, or to the church of God. For so I also try to please all men in every way, not by seeking my own good, but the good of the many, that they may be saved.
Because we who are many are one bread, one body, for we all do share in the one loaf. Look at Israel according to the flesh; are not those who eat the sacrifices in communion with the altar? What then shall we say? that an offering to an idol is anything? or that an idol is really anything? On the contrary, what the heathen sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have communion with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and also the cup of demons; you cannot be partakers in the Lord's table and in the table of demons. What! would we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? "All things are lawful," you say? But not all things are expedient; "all things are lawful"; but not all build up. Let not each one be always seeking his own, but rather his neighbor's good. Eat anything that is for sale in the markets, asking no questions for conscience sake; for the earth and its fulness are the Lord's. If one who is not a believer invites you to his house, and you wish to go, eat everything that is set before you, without asking questions for conscience sake. But if any one tells you, "This food has been offered in sacrifice," do not eat it, for the sake of him who told you, and for your conscience sake??is conscience, not your own. "But," you may object, "why should my freedom be decided upon another's scruples of conscience? If I eat after giving thanks, why am I denounced for eating that for which I have given thanks?" Because whether you are eating or whether you are drinking, you are to do it all for the glory of God. Do not be a cause of stumbling either to Jews of to Gentiles, or to the church of God. For so I also try to please all men in every way, not by seeking my own good, but the good of the many, that they may be saved.
Union with Christ » Saints » Enjoy, in the lord's supper
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a common participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a common participation in the body of Christ? Because we who are many are one bread, one body, for we all do share in the one loaf.