I Corinthians 8:1-13 (Part 37) "Knowledge" Does Not Solve All Problems

Paul is dealing with the fact that “knowledge” does not solve all problems

• The presence of knowledge, vv. 1-3: 1) True knowledge equals: a) Facts; b) Attitude; c) Action; 2) Knowledge only possessed—v. 2—“as” . . . a) To the extent; b) In the way; 3) Knowledge with love—v. 3: a) The idea of intimate relation with God

• The conclusion of knowledge—vv. 4-6: 1) Key passage on monotheism; 2) All others claiming to be gods have no real existence (in name); 3) God alone is (v. 6): a) The source of our life; b) The object of our living; c) The means of existence

• The problems of knowledge—vv. 7-12: 1) The problem of one’s past—v. 7; 2) The problem of the weak conscience, v. 7b: a) What the weak must remember, v. 8; b) What the strong must remember, vv. 9-12 (see the last part of the notes)

• The consideration of true knowledge, v. 13

The “what” of liberty

• What it may become, v. 9

• What it can do, v. 10

The “who” of liberty

• Who it can ruin, v. 11

• Who it can offend