known by God — Faves of Dave - Bible Study

1Cor. 8:1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.

Were there ever a few Bible verses that were more confusing than this? Paul has been writing about sexual purity and dedication to the Lord, and “remaining as you are.” All of a sudden, he switches over to “food offered to idols” and something about knowledge. What is going on? To be honest with you, I had to check out what the experts had to say about this because it wasn’t immediately clear to me. It turns out that if I’d followed my often repeated advice to you to read the context, it’s not all that confusing. Here’s what is going on.

When he says, “Now concerning . . .,” he recognizes a question they asked about. Back in 1 Corinthians 7:1, Paul wrote, “Now concerning the matters about which you wrote . . .” They had written him a letter with a list of questions and concerns they had. So the switch in the topic is just Paul moving to the next question.

But, what’s up with the statement about all of us possessing knowledge? What does that have to do with food sacrificed to idols? The English transition gives us a clue. Notice the quotation marks about the statement “all of us possess knowledge.” Paul is quoting some of those at Corinth who are extolling the value of knowledge. Perhaps they were gnostics who elevated themselves above others and were imposing dietary rules on others within the church. Paul is diplomatically conceding that “all of us” have some knowledge. But notice what he says about it. He says, “This ‘knowledge’ puffs up, but love builds up.

Therein is the principle that we need to get from this passage. Love is superior to human knowledge because it actually helps others grow, but the so-called knowledge people in Corinth are claiming to have is being used to control others and not truly help them. The people who claim to have this knowledge are puffed up in their pride and self-importance. It doesn’t have any significant value from God’s perspective.

Paul adds, “If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.” (v. 2) What does that mean? It means that the knowledge they claim to have is not from God and is not in line with God’s thoughts and divine knowledge that God alone gives.

Now we come to the next important principle of these three verses. “But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” (v. 3) It sounds to me, that in this short passage, we have some solid principles in which to live our lives and walk a walk of faith. Our focus and priority in life should be to love God and love others instead of imagining how much smarter or wiser we are than others. When we love God, we are known by God. The One who has true knowledge knows us. Wow!

As we continue in this chapter, this principle will be more evident as Paul addresses their concern about the issue of meat sacrificed to idols.

Prayer: Lord - Help us love you. Let us be thankful that you know us.