The Bible Project Daily Podcast

A Question of Morality. (1 Cor 8: 1-13)

Pastor Jeremy R McCandless Season 22 Episode 13

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Welcome back!

In today’s episode, we explore a timeless moral tension: What do we do when our freedom conflicts with someone else’s conscience? From meat offered to idols in Corinth to alcohol in our modern lives, the principle remains the same—love must guide freedom.

Growing up, many of us were handed an unwritten moral code. But what happens when that code isn’t black-and-white in Scripture? How do we navigate the grey?

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 8 teach us that knowledge—while important—can puff us up. But love? Love builds up. When others are watching, when their faith is at stake, Paul says: “If my freedom causes them to stumble, I’ll lay it down.”

This is not legalism. It’s not a weakness. It’s Christlike love in action.

Whether you're navigating questions about cultural practices, personal liberty, or sensitive matters within your community, this chapter invites you to ask not just, “Is this allowed?” but “Is this loving?”

Episode Highlights:

  • 🧭 Moral grey areas: Why they matter
  • 🥩 The Corinthian debate over idol meat
  • 🧠 Knowledge vs. love—what builds up?
  • ❤️ How Christian liberty is shaped by the needs of others
  • 🚫 Why violating your conscience—even mistakenly—is still serious
  • ✝️ The powerful truth: Wounding a believer’s conscience is a sin against Christ

📖 Key Verse:
“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”
—1 Corinthians 8:1

Next Episode:
We'll continue this journey in chapters 9 and 10, where Paul illustrates this principle through his own life and leadership. Don’t miss it—it completes the picture.

Until then, grace and peace.
 And remember: Real strength chooses love.

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