Thematic Bible: Not casting stumblingblocks


Thematic Bible




Now as concerning things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man thinketh that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man loveth God, the same is known by him. read more.
Therefore as concerning the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For though there are that are called gods, whether in heaven or upon earth, (as there are gods many, and lords many) Yet to us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. But there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol to this hour eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. But food commendeth us not to 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 should become a stumbling-block to them that are weak. For if any man shall see thee, who hast knowledge, sit eating in the idol's temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if food maketh my brother to fall into sin, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to fall into sin.

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at naught thy brother? for we shall all stand 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 confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. read more.
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling-block, or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean by itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother is grieved with thy food, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not 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 serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved by men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things with which one may edify another. For the sake of food, destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offense. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing by which thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eateth, because he eateth not from faith: for whatever is not from faith is sin.

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. Whatever is sold in the provision market, that eat, asking no question for conscience' sake: read more.
For the earth is the Lord's, and its fullness. If any of them that believe not invites you to a feast, and ye are disposed to go; whatever is set before you, eat, asking no question on account of conscience. But if any man shall say to you, This is offered in sacrifice to idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience' sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and its fullness: Conscience, I say, not thy own, but of the other: for why is my liberty 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 all to the glory of God. Give no offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.