Love Over Liberty: Living for the Sake of Our Brethren
- MHBPC Admin
- Aug 8
- 15 min read
Updated: Aug 19
Date: 10 August 2025, 9.30 am
Speaker: Ps Daniel Tan Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
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TRANSCRIPT
Introduction
Blessed Sunday to all both in this hall and those who are joining us online.
Today, we return back to our journey through the book of 1 Corinthians. Today, we look at chapter 8 which is right in the middle of the whole book.
At the end of my studies at Trinity, my graduating class had a class retreat. We went to Desaru for 2 nights.
On the final night, the group wanted to go for karaoke and so they booked one of the karaoke rooms in the hotel after dinner.
As the group set off to the karaoke room, I told my roommate, I’ll join them later as I needed to go to the toilet and so I went back to our room.
Was quite constipated and so took a long time. By the time I was ready to join them, an hour had already passed and there was only 1 hour more for the karaoke session.
Now the resort is very spread out and the rooms are at least a 10 minute walk to the main building where the karaoke rooms are. So, I decided, just take a bath and get ready to sleep, too lazy to go join them.
The next morning at breakfast, I got teased about not joining them. They poked fun at me – where did you disappear to last night? Never join because you B-P is it?
You Bible-Presbyterians must seek biblical separation right? So cannot go sing karaoke, cannot go clubbing or drink alcohol?
It was interesting to me that the rigid stand of the BP towards acts of holiness in the 1960s and 70s was still at the back of the minds of other Christians in Singapore even in the 21st century.
Is karaoke okay? Is it truly amoral?
Slightly over 10 years earlier on the 20th anniversary of my O Levels, my classmates had a gathering. After the dinner attended by about 50 of us, there was talk about going for karaoke.
A group was going and I was undecided. But a good friend, after knowing who was going for karaoke, told me, let’s not go.
That type of karaoke is for adult entertainment. It will be wine, women and song, with the emphasis on wine and women.
My classmate remarked, there is a reason why it is a private room and it’s not because it needs to be sound-proof for the singing.
Paul did not address the Corinthians about karaoke, but in 1 Cor 8, he begins to address them on something else. Can they eat food offered to idols.
We know that it was an issue brought up by by the Corinthians because 1 Cor 8 begins with the phase ‘Now concerning food offered to idols’.
Paul was addressing a concern that they had brought up to him.
The bible project has very helpfully given us an overview of 1 Corinthians and they have summarised the whole book as ‘Seeing every part of life through the Gospel’.
And so from 1 Cor 8 to 10, Paul would be addressing the issue of food.
The context is that food, which concerns mainly meat, was sold in 2 main places.
Firstly there was the general market and then there was the butcher shop that is run by the temple.
When people go to the temple to offer their sacrifices, it usually ends up in 3 portions. The first portion of the animal was sacrificed on the altar, the 2nd portion was given to the priest, and the 3rd portion was taken back for the family to eat.
Now throughout the day, the temple would be receiving many sacrifices and so the portions given to the priest would have been significant. So naturally, that led to 2 things.
Firstly, they would sell the meat and this usually was cheaper than that sold at the general market.
Secondly, they would use it to serve patrons at the restaurant run by the temple.
And the way Paul addresses the issue, we see that the Corinthians were not asking, can we eat meat offered to idols?
They were saying, we can eat meat offered to idols because “an idol has no real existence … there is no God but one”.
If you look with me at v4, you will notice that this phase is in quotation marks. This means Paul is quoting the Corinthians.
One bible commentator has observed that Paul will over 3 chapters, equip them with the reasons why they should consider not eating meat offered to idols.
From 1 Cor 8, consider your weaker brother
From 1 Cor 9, consider Paul’s own example
From 1 Cor 10:1-13, consider the examples from the Old Testament
From 1 Cor 10:14-22, consider the example from the Lord’s Supper
From 1 Cor 10:23-31, consider if it impedes the advancement of the Gospel
So today, as we concentrate on 1 Cor 8, we ask the question – can we live for the sake of our brethren and practice love over liberty.
Knowledge Without Love Destroys, But Love Builds Up (v1–3)
Paul starts the chapter by quoting a slogan from the Corinthians: “We all possess knowledge.” You can imagine them saying it with pride—"We’re not like the others. We understand Christian freedom. We’re mature."
1 Cor 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.
As we have seen in the previous 7 chapters, this pride in so-called knowledge has already been exposed by Paul when dealing with the 2 previous issues of divisions and sexual immorality.
So again, Paul immediately counters that mindset. He says, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”
The word for "puffs up" is the same one used to describe someone inflating a balloon. It's a vivid image of spiritual arrogance.
Love, on the other hand, doesn’t inflate—it edifies. It strengthens others in their faith.
Let’s observe the text before us and think them though.
Firstly, we know that Paul isn’t dismissing knowledge entirely. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 1:5 he describes “that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge.”
Paul acknowledges that the Corinthians were enriched with knowledge. But what Paul cautions is that when knowledge is used to assert superiority, it becomes destructive.
Secondly, quoting them, “you all assume you possess all knowledge”. Remember, you were enriched, it is not something you have acquired, no, it is a spiritual gift.
Therefore, because it is a gift, it must not be seen to equate to any spiritual status.
When knowledge fuels pride, Paul says, it is self-focused. Whereas when knowledge is others-centred, it fuels love. And love builds up.
And so v2 says true knowledge humbles. This verse is ironic: “If anyone imagines he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought.” Real knowledge is aware of its limitations.
Is it not so, that the more we know, the more we know we don’t know. And so we have a saying that empty vessels make the most noise.
Scripture says it in another way - Prov 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. (pause)
It might then be logical to say in v3 that if anyone loves God, he knows God.
Instead, Paul flips it around. If anyone loves God, he is known by God.
Paul emphasizes this same idea of God knowing His children elsewhere in 2 Timothy:
2 Tim 2:19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,”
I may know who the President of Singapore is, but it would be even more significant that the President knows me.
Scripture says, precious in God’s sight is the death of his saints (Ps 116:15). And we know we are precious because God sent His son to die for us.
Boast in this, Paul tells the Corinthians, that God knows each of us intimately.
This means we have a relationship with Him. It means He accepts us, and He is very personally involved in every aspect of our lives.
And by introducing love as the hall mark of our relationship with God, Paul alludes to the Ten Commandments which links idolatry and love (please read with me)-
Deut 5:8 “ ‘You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 9 You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Today, for those of us who have walked with the Lord for some time. We have read the bible from cover to cover, we know our systematic theology, and we understand Christian liberty. Praise God for that!
But here’s the question: Do we use that knowledge to build up the body, or just to win arguments?
Let’s say we drink wine in moderation. Are we doing it in a way that helps our younger brother or sister grow in Christ—or does it make them confused about Christian holiness? Are we more concerned about being right, or being loving?
This issue of alcohol is very significant in the context of our mission partners.
There, due to heavy drinking and drunkenness that is typical in non-believing households, Christians have a very effective witness when they abstain from alcohol.
For the younger believer in our midst. You may feel unsure about where you stand on certain societal issues. You might see older Christians engaging in things you are wondering if believers should avoid.
Don’t feel pressured to imitate them just to fit in. Spiritual maturity isn’t measured by your ability to mimic liberty—it’s seen in your growing love for God and others.
In Singapore, we face the idol of materialism.
A Straits Times‑reported case involved a local influencer, Mr Chin, who amassed over 330,000 followers.
He flaunted luxury brands, glamorous lifestyles, and had a curated image of success.
But behind the scenes, he was forging documents, cheating luxury hotels, and exploiting consumer reward systems for tens of thousands of dollars in vouchers and stolen goods.
On the surface, it looked like freedom and influence—but the reality was deception and harm.
I sure some were led instead to idolize him and imitate him, much to their own harm.
Paul’s warning applies - knowing Christian freedom without love can destroy—not just your witness, but the spiritual well‑being of those who look up to you.
May what we post on social media be done out of love that builds up others in their faith.
Right Theology Must Not Excuse Inappropriate Practice (v4–6)
Paul now turns to the theological foundation of the Corinthians’ argument. They rightly say: “An idol is nothing. There is no God but one.” That’s good theology. Paul agrees—but not without qualification.
Let’s take a look at v4 to v6.
1 Cor 8:4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
In v6, we see that Paul affirms monotheism. In verse 6, he beautifully summarizes the Shema: “For us there is one God, the Father” This is foundational Christian truth.
The Shema is found in Deuteronomy 6 -
Deut 6:4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Significantly, Paul says, how we can fight off the temptation towards idolatry is to remember that this one God whom we worship is the sovereign creator – it is from God that all things come forth and it is this God for whom we exist.
But right theology alone isn’t enough. Paul is pointing out that the Corinthians used this truth to justify eating in idol temples. They forgot the relational impact of their actions.
Yes, idols are made with human hands and thus have no real existence. So, the many ‘gods’ and ‘lords’, small ‘g’ and small ‘l’ are nothing.
And I think here, Paul alludes to his earlier statement in v2, if anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know’.
Paul does not explain it here, but he will elaborate on the spiritual realities of idols in 1 Cor 10:20.
The Corinthians whom Paul is addressing feel that they are the knowledgeable ones.
And they are associating knowledge with maturity. And with that comes social distinction within the church.
This I submit is the fuel that fires the first issue on divisions that the first 4 chapters have touched on.
So these Corinthians are feeling superior to the others, they have the Christian liberty to eat meat offered to idols and dine in the temple establishments.
Now, in addition to looking down on others who are questioning their liberties, I suspect they are also encouraging these “less knowledgeable” believers to also participate with them.
Significantly in v6, Paul teaches them about our Triune God. He elaborates that now the Shema must include one God and one Lord.
This Lord is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. This is very high Christology. Paul is maturing their knowledge. There is One God, in the person of God the Father and Jesus His Son.
Paul repeats the phase that speaks about God the sovereign creator and gives it to also our Lord Jesus Christ. It is through both “whom are all things and through whom we exist.”
Corinthians, know that your identity flows from that.
The God we worship is One God in the person of God the Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ.
Our status is not in what we know but in whom we are known by.
Taking these verses in the context of 1 Cor 8, let’s consider this.
For those of us who have been a believer for many years, Yes, I’m sure you may be doctrinally sound. You understand that idols are nothing.
But would we be open to accept that sound doctrine isn’t a license to be careless.
As one Singaporean pastor put it: “It’s possible to be theologically accurate and pastorally dangerous.”
A challenge we have for our elected leaders is whether it is wise to attend a wedding of a Hermonite to someone in a Roman Catholic church.
Technically, attending does not mean endorsement right?
But would we need to consider the impact that might have on a younger believer viewing our photos on Instagram?
Would they be led to follow as well and think that there is no significant doctrinal difference between the faiths?
I submit, there is a need for discernment. Not everything done in the name of “liberty” is wise.
Just because we can quote Scripture to justify a lifestyle doesn’t mean it's godly. Let’s always ask: Is this building me up in Christ? Is this helping others grow in Christ-likeness?
Let’s consider therefore that sound theology should lead to loving practice—and not be used instead as an excuse to live how we like.
An online article recently highlighted that consumers are growing sceptical of influencers who appear overly produced, promotional, or inauthentic.
This erosion of trust shows that being “influence-savvy” doesn’t mean being morally credible.
In a church context, someone might say, “I understand idols are nothing, so I’m free to join the family yoga activity organized by the religious group.”
Or “I know moderation is fine, so I’m free to very publicly drink.”
Might this be similar to influencers who craft attractive stories but whose backgrounds tell a different story?
Right belief - that idol are nothing and we have freedom in Christ is commendable. But could we instead pause and ask, are we acting with pastoral care?
Church, let’s not allow our freedom to become a careless excuse for inappropriate actions.
Freedom Misused Can Lead to Spiritual Ruin (vv. 7–13)
Now Paul gets to the heart of the issue—the impact of liberty on the weaker sibling-in-Christ. And Paul doesn’t mince his words.
Let’s observe the text.
1 Cor 8:7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
Paul says, be careful of your Christian liberties because not everyone has this ‘knowledge’ (v.7).
In every church, both then and now, we have believers of all generations. Some are infants and others more matured.
So, Corinthians, be watchful and considerate that there are those in your midst who are recent converts and they still feel that eating idol food is participating in idol worship.
They are those whose conscience is weak. This does not mean their moral clarity is immature. No, it is about spiritual assurance.
They are still building their self-awareness and confidence in this new-found status amongst God’s people.
In a sense, they are still finding if they truly belong to the covenant community and what it means practically to live as a believer in this new community.
So if they imitate those who are knowledgeable and eat food offered to idols, they will sin against their own conscience.
And that will impact their own perception of their standing in the faith community.
Paul says their conscience is defiled. It means they feel it has been stained, it has been made unclean.
Paul goes on to say in v11, that the weaker brother can even be destroyed by the way you have practiced your knowledge. To be destroyed is a very strong word. It means to perish, to lose totally.
If you think your knowledge makes you spiritually mature, Paul says, you are emphasizing the wrong thing with regards to your identity.
V8 says, we are no better in our standing before God if we eat food offered to idols nor worst off if we abstain.
But, Paul warns, you are going to be worst off in God’s eyes, if your sibling-in-Christ stumbles.
If the conscience of your sibling-in-Christ is wounded because they follow your example, you are going to be in big trouble with God.
Remember in v6, Paul teaches, Jesus is God. So now in v12 he warns, to sin against your brother is to sin against Christ.
Remember how God confronted Paul on the road to Damascus? Paul, why are you persecuting me. An attack on a sibling-in-Christ, who is precious in God’s sight is a personal attack on Jesus.
And since Jesus is God. Attacking Jesus the Son of God is surely not a wise and mature thing to do.
Here’s the ultimate test of Christian maturity: Are you willing to give up your rights for someone else’s good?
You may love a glass of whisky, or unique hobbies, or certain media content. But if your enjoyment leads someone else follow you and cast doubt, confusion, upon their faith’s conscience, can you lay it aside?
Paul ends chapter 8 with an extreme statement. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
That’s how much he will go for a fellow believer. That is not legalism. That’s sacrificial love.
Imagine with me a Christian influencer on TikTok who constantly posts about her “freedom in Christ”—posting videos from clubs, lux fashion purchases, and edgy jokes.
A teenage girl in church follows her and begins imitating her lifestyle. Soon, her spiritual life becomes shallow, and she drifts from prayer, fellowship, and purity.
I suspect Paul would say, “That’s not liberty. That’s stumbling.”
An influencer by virtue of the name, influences. Experts note how social media can make even crime seem aspirational in today's "post and boast" culture.
As reported, offenders—after flaunting wealth through criminal means—shared it online, turning deception into entertainment.
So, with their influence, audacity is rewarded not their conscience.
Our modelling both online and offline has impact on others. Our liberty might inspire imitation and that might lead not to glitter but to spiritual destruction.
And Paul warns, causing a brother to stumble, to imitate you and go against his conscience, is tantamount to sinning against Christ Himself.
Conclusion
Let’s bring this sermon to a close by looking at where Paul points us – the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is captured best in the image of the cross.
In verse 11, Paul says the weaker brother is “the one for whom Christ died.” That’s the gospel.
Christ didn’t die to give us liberty without limits. He died to give us life—life together in a holy, loving family.
Jesus, though fully God, did not cling to His rights. He humbled Himself. He gave up His privileges to serve and save us (Phil 2:6–8). That’s our model.
Church, if we want to measure our spiritual maturity, don’t count our liberties—count how much we are willing to sacrifice for others.
Let’s be a church marked not just by what we know, but by how we love. Let’s not stumble our brothers and sisters. Let’s build them up.
Because when we lay down our rights, we point others to the One who laid down His life.
Reflection Questions:
What are some present-day equivalents to the “food offered to idols” issue? How can we take care not to make fellow Christians stumble?
How can we be more sensitive/aware to the spiritual maturity of fellow brothers/sisters in our CG and in church? How can we build them up (i.e. encourage assurance) in love?
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