You Can't Handle the Truth

Send us a text

What does freedom in Christ really mean, and how should we use it? Diving into 1 Corinthians 8, we confront a provocative truth: knowledge without love is spiritually dangerous.

The ancient Corinthian question about eating "demon meat" (food sacrificed to idols) becomes surprisingly relevant to our modern struggles with Christian liberty. While some believers understood they were completely free to eat this meat since idols represented nothing real, others with "weaker consciences" feared it would compromise their faith. Paul's response reveals a profound principle that transforms how we should view our freedom today.

"Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." This simple statement challenges the common misconception that Christianity is primarily about knowing and following rules. Many of us have been taught that spiritual maturity means having the right opinions about what's permitted or forbidden. But Paul pushes us toward something more profound—a realization that how we handle truth matters more than simply possessing it.

You are completely free in Christ—your salvation isn't at risk when you make mistakes. However, wielding that freedom without considering others reveals we haven't fully grasped the heart of the gospel. The paradox? True freedom is found in willingly limiting our liberties out of love for others who may not yet understand their complete freedom in Christ.

This message confronts our culture's obsession with self-fulfillment. As Jesus taught, "Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." When we stop focusing on protecting our rights and preferences, we create space for God's love to flow through us. You are, as the sermon powerfully states, "the only Bible some people will ever read"—how you treat others speaks volumes about what you truly believe about God's love.

Ready to discover what it means to let God's love live through you? Listen now and be challenged to handle truth with love.

Support the show