Thematic Bible: Not casting stumblingblocks
Thematic Bible
Stumbling/slipping » Not casting stumblingblocks
NOW concerning the things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth. But if any man conceit that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. read more.
Now concerning eating things sacrificed unto idols: we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For though there are gods so called, whether celestial or terrestrial, (as [of this sort] there are gods many, and lords many;) but to us there is one God, the Father; of whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in all men this knowledge; but some having conscientious respect for the idol to this moment, eat the meat as sacrificed to the idol; and their conscience being weak, is defiled. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither if we eat are we the better, or if we eat not are we the worse. But take heed that this power of yours become not an occasion of stumbling to the weak. For if any man see thee that hast knowledge, sitting in an idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? And the weak brother will be destroyed by thy knowledge, for whom Christ died. But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore if meat give occasion of offence to my brother, I will in no wise eat meat for ever, that I give no cause of offence to my brother.
Now concerning eating things sacrificed unto idols: we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For though there are gods so called, whether celestial or terrestrial, (as [of this sort] there are gods many, and lords many;) but to us there is one God, the Father; of whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in all men this knowledge; but some having conscientious respect for the idol to this moment, eat the meat as sacrificed to the idol; and their conscience being weak, is defiled. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither if we eat are we the better, or if we eat not are we the worse. But take heed that this power of yours become not an occasion of stumbling to the weak. For if any man see thee that hast knowledge, sitting in an idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? And the weak brother will be destroyed by thy knowledge, for whom Christ died. But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore if meat give occasion of offence to my brother, I will in no wise eat meat for ever, that I give no cause of offence to my brother.
But thou, why judgest thou thy brother? And thou, why dost thou disparage thy brother? for we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ. For it is written, "As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall make confession to God." Assuredly then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God. read more.
Let us therefore no more judge one another; but judge this rather, that no one put a stumbling-block or offence before his brother. I know, and am convinced by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who thinketh any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if by meat thy brother is grieved, thou walkest no more according to love. Do not by thy meat destroy him for whom Christ died. Let not therefore food, which is good for you, give occasion of reproach. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he who in these things is the servant of Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Well then, let us earnestly pursue the things that conduce to peace, and the things which are for mutual edification. For the sake of meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are clean; but it is an evil thing for a man to eat, giving offence. It is laudable not to eat flesh, or to drink wine, nor to do any thing whereby thy brother is stumbled, or scandalized, or weakened. Hast thou faith, exercise it before God within thyself. Blessed is the man who condemneth not himself in that which he alloweth. But he that maketh a difference between meats, if he eat is condemned, because he doth it not by faith: for every thing which is not of faith, is sin.
Let us therefore no more judge one another; but judge this rather, that no one put a stumbling-block or offence before his brother. I know, and am convinced by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who thinketh any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if by meat thy brother is grieved, thou walkest no more according to love. Do not by thy meat destroy him for whom Christ died. Let not therefore food, which is good for you, give occasion of reproach. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he who in these things is the servant of Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Well then, let us earnestly pursue the things that conduce to peace, and the things which are for mutual edification. For the sake of meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are clean; but it is an evil thing for a man to eat, giving offence. It is laudable not to eat flesh, or to drink wine, nor to do any thing whereby thy brother is stumbled, or scandalized, or weakened. Hast thou faith, exercise it before God within thyself. Blessed is the man who condemneth not himself in that which he alloweth. But he that maketh a difference between meats, if he eat is condemned, because he doth it not by faith: for every thing which is not of faith, is sin.
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not profitable; all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own gratification, but every one another's good. Every thing which is sold in the shambles eat, asking no question for conscience sake; read more.
"for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." And if any one of those, who do not believe, invite you, and ye incline to go, eat every thing set before you, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any person say unto you, This is an idol's sacrifice, eat not of it, for his sake who pointed it out, and for conscience sake. For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. Conscience indeed I say, not merely thine own, but that of the other person. For why is my liberty abridged by another's conscience? If I truly with thanksgiving am a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all things to the glory of God. Give no occasion of stumbling either to the Jews or the Gentiles, or the church of God: even as I please all men, not seeking my own advantage, but that of the many, that they may be saved.
"for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." And if any one of those, who do not believe, invite you, and ye incline to go, eat every thing set before you, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any person say unto you, This is an idol's sacrifice, eat not of it, for his sake who pointed it out, and for conscience sake. For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. Conscience indeed I say, not merely thine own, but that of the other person. For why is my liberty abridged by another's conscience? If I truly with thanksgiving am a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all things to the glory of God. Give no occasion of stumbling either to the Jews or the Gentiles, or the church of God: even as I please all men, not seeking my own advantage, but that of the many, that they may be saved.