Thematic Bible: Not casting stumblingblocks


Thematic Bible




Now as concerning things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but charity edifies. And if anyone thinks that they know anything, they know nothing yet as they ought to know. But if anyone loves God, the same is known of him. read more.
As concerning, therefore, the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice 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 some that are called gods, whether in heaven or in the earth (as there are many gods and many lords), but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in everyone that knowledge, for some with conscience of the idol unto now, eat it as a thing offered unto an idol, and their conscience being weak is defiled. But food does not make us more acceptable unto God; for neither if we eat are we the better, neither if we eat not are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours becomes a stumblingblock to those that are weak. For if anyone sees thee who hast this knowledge sit at food in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols? and through thy knowledge the weak brother shall perish, for whom Christ died. In this manner, therefore, sinning against the brethren and wounding their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother to fall, I will never eat flesh nor do anything which may cause my brother to fall.

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou belittle thy brother? for we shall all stand before the tribunal of the Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God. read more.
Let us, therefore, not judge one another any more, but judge this rather: that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. I know and trust in the Lord Jesus that for his sake there is nothing unclean, but to him that esteems any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother is grieved because of thy food, now thou dost not walk in charity. Do not destroy him with thy food, for whom Christ died. Let not then your good be evil spoken of; for the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he that in these things serves the Christ is well pleasing unto God and approved of men. Let us, therefore, follow after the things which make for peace and the edification of each one to the others. Because of food, do not destroy the work of God. All things indeed are clean, but it is evil for that man who eats with offense. It is good neither to eat flesh nor to drink wine nor do any thing by which thy brother stumbles or is offended or is sick. Thou hast faith; have it to thyself before God. Blessed is he that does not condemn himself with that thing which he allows. And he that makes a difference is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat by faith; and whatsoever is not out of faith is sin.

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful for me, but all things do not edify. Let no one seek his own good, but that of the other. Whatever is sold in the market, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake; read more.
for the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof. If any of those that do not believe bid you to a feast, and ye are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you asking no questions for conscience sake. But if anyone says unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, do not eat it for the sake of him that disclosed it and for conscience sake; for the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof: conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other, for why should my liberty be judged by another man's conscience? For if I by grace am a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat or drink or whatever ye do, do everything for the glory of God. Be without offense, neither to the Jews nor to the Gentiles nor to the congregation of God; even as I please everyone in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.