Love Over Knowledge: Building Up the Body of Christ
Summary
In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul addresses a church struggling with pride and the misuse of knowledge. The believers in Corinth had begun to see themselves as spiritually superior because of what they knew, especially regarding idols and the eating of food offered to them. Paul reminds us that knowledge alone can puff us up, but love builds up the body of Christ. It’s not enough to simply know the truth; our actions must be governed by love for God and for others, especially those who are newer or weaker in the faith.
We are reminded that there is only one true God, and idols have no real power. Yet, not everyone has reached the same level of understanding. Some are still sensitive to their old ways and may be troubled by things that more mature believers know are harmless. Paul calls us to be mindful of our influence. Our liberty in Christ is not a license to do whatever we please, especially if it causes another believer to stumble or struggle in their walk with God.
Spiritual maturity is not measured by how much we know, but by how much we love. True Christian living means being willing to lay down our rights for the sake of others. If something we do—even if it is not inherently wrong—might cause confusion or lead someone else into sin, we are called to refrain out of love. Our testimony matters, and people are always watching how we live, especially those who are just beginning their journey with Christ.
Paul’s challenge is clear: prioritize love over liberty, and edification over self-expression. We are to be examples, not stumbling blocks. This means being intentional about our actions, our associations, and even our attitudes, so that we help others grow in Christ rather than hinder them. In all things, our goal is to glorify God and build up His church, walking in humility and love.
Key Takeaways
- Knowledge Must Be Governed by Love
It is easy to become proud of what we know, especially in spiritual matters, but knowledge without love leads to arrogance and division. True growth in Christ is marked by humility and a willingness to use what we know to serve and build up others, not to elevate ourselves. Love is the foundation that gives knowledge its proper place and purpose. [08:41]
- Spiritual Maturity Means Prioritizing Others
Maturity in Christ is not about asserting our freedoms, but about being willing to limit ourselves for the sake of others. If our actions, even if permissible, might cause a weaker believer to stumble, we are called to lay down our rights. This sacrificial love is the true mark of Christlikeness and spiritual maturity. [17:04]
- Our Testimony Impacts New Believers
Those who are new to the faith look to more experienced believers as examples. Our choices, words, and even our attitudes can either encourage them or become a stumbling block. We must be mindful that our liberty does not become a source of confusion or discouragement for those who are still growing in their understanding. [27:04]
- Intentional Living for the Sake of the Body
Every believer is called to live intentionally, aware that our lives are being watched by others both inside and outside the church. This means making choices that reflect Christ, even in areas that seem insignificant, so that our witness remains strong and untainted. Sometimes, this requires personal sacrifice for the greater good of the community. [36:23]
- Christian Liberty Is Always Subject to Love
Freedom in Christ is a precious gift, but it is never an excuse for selfishness. True liberty is exercised within the boundaries of love, always seeking the edification of others above personal preference. The mature believer asks not, “What am I allowed to do?” but, “What will help my brother or sister grow in Christ?” [42:59]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[06:05] - Opening and Introductions
[07:08] - Personal Reflections on Texas and Ministry
[08:01] - God’s Leading and Prayer
[08:41] - The Problem of Pride in Corinth
[10:31] - The Futility of Idols
[12:37] - Lessons Learned in the Christian Walk
[14:30] - Foundational Truths for New Believers
[16:18] - Loving God as Spiritual Maturity
[17:04] - The Supremacy of Christ
[21:11] - The Danger of Worshipping People
[23:33] - Being an Example to Others
[25:04] - Weak Consciences and Spiritual Growth
[27:04] - Responsibility Toward Weaker Believers
[29:37] - Church Practices and Stumbling Blocks
[32:15] - The Impact of Our Actions
[36:23] - Living for the Sake of Others
[38:45] - Practical Applications and Testimonies
[42:59] - Knowledge, Liberty, and Love
[47:26] - Baptism and Announcements
[48:37] - Closing and Final Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: 1 Corinthians 8 – Love Over Liberty
---
### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 8 (ESV)
(Read the whole chapter together as a group.)
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 8, what was the main issue causing division in the Corinthian church? ([08:41])
2. What does Paul say about knowledge and love in verse 1? How does he contrast the two? ([08:41])
3. How does Paul describe the reality of idols and the one true God? ([10:31])
4. What does Paul warn about the effect of our actions on believers who are “weaker” in the faith? ([27:04])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul say that “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up”? What does this mean for how we use what we know about God? ([08:41])
2. How does Paul define spiritual maturity in this chapter? Is it about what we know, or how we treat others? ([17:04])
3. Why is it important to consider the conscience and struggles of newer or weaker believers when making decisions about our own behavior? ([27:04])
4. What does it look like, practically, to “lay down our rights” for the sake of others in the church? ([36:23])
---
### Application Questions
1. Can you think of a time when you or someone you know acted out of “knowledge” instead of love? What was the result? How could the situation have been different if love had been the priority? ([08:41])
2. Are there any freedoms or rights you enjoy as a Christian that might confuse or discourage someone who is new to faith? What would it look like to limit yourself for their sake? ([27:04])
3. The sermon gave examples of how our actions—even things that aren’t wrong—can cause others to stumble (like going to a liquor store or playing certain music). Is there something in your life that could be a stumbling block for someone else? What could you do about it? ([40:24])
4. Think about your daily life: are there places you go, people you hang out with, or things you do that might send the wrong message to those watching your life? How can you be more intentional about your testimony? ([36:23])
5. The pastor shared a story about refusing to sit at a bar to buy a gift card, just to avoid the appearance of wrongdoing. Have you ever had to make a similar choice? How did it feel? ([41:27])
6. How can you encourage and build up someone who is newer or weaker in the faith this week? Is there a specific person God is putting on your heart? ([23:33])
7. What is one area where you need to prioritize love over liberty in your own walk with Christ? What step can you take this week to put someone else’s spiritual growth ahead of your own preferences? ([42:59])
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help you walk in humility and love, building up others and glorifying Him in all you do.
Devotional
Day 1: Knowledge Puffs Up, But Love Builds Up
True Christian maturity is not measured by how much we know, but by how much we love and edify others. Knowledge, when left unchecked, can lead to pride and a sense of superiority, but love humbles us and compels us to serve and encourage those around us. As believers, we must remember that everything we have learned or accomplished is by the grace of God, and our calling is to use our knowledge to build up the body of Christ, not to boast or look down on others. When someone new comes into the church, it is our responsibility to welcome them, love them, and help them grow, rather than making them feel inferior. Let love govern your actions and attitudes, so that your life points others to Christ and not to yourself. [08:41]
1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (ESV)
"Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that 'all of us possess knowledge.' This 'knowledge' puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God."
Reflection: Is there someone in your church or community whom you could encourage or build up today, rather than simply sharing what you know? How can you show them Christ’s love in a practical way?
Day 2: There Is One God—Rejecting Idols and False Priorities
There is only one true God, and as followers of Christ, we are called to reject all idols and false priorities that compete for our devotion. Whether it is the worship of material things, people, or even our own achievements, nothing should take the place of God in our hearts. The world may offer many so-called "gods" or distractions, but only the Lord is worthy of our worship and allegiance. Placing God first means surrendering every area of our lives to Him and recognizing that our identity and purpose are found in Him alone. This commitment may be difficult, especially when others do not understand, but it is the foundation of a life that honors God and experiences His fullness. [21:11]
1 Corinthians 8:4-6 (ESV)
"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.' For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many 'gods' and many 'lords'—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."
Reflection: What is one thing in your life that sometimes takes priority over God? How can you intentionally put God first in that area this week?
Day 3: Be an Example—Your Life Impacts Others
Every believer is called to be a living example for others, especially for those who are new to the faith or struggling in their walk with God. The way you live, the choices you make, and the attitudes you display can either encourage someone to grow closer to Christ or become a stumbling block that hinders their progress. It is important to be mindful of your actions, knowing that people are watching and learning from you, even when you are unaware. Your testimony of faithfulness, trust in God during trials, and commitment to righteousness can inspire others to persevere and trust God for themselves. Let your life be a testimony that points others to Jesus and helps them on their journey of faith. [27:04]
1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV)
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
Reflection: Think of someone who may be looking up to you in their faith journey. What is one specific way you can be a positive example to them this week?
Day 4: Sacrifice Your Liberty for the Sake of Others
Christian liberty is a gift, but it must always be governed by love and consideration for others, especially those who are weaker in the faith. Just because something is permissible for you does not mean it is beneficial for everyone; your actions can influence others, sometimes leading them into confusion or even sin. True maturity is not insisting on your rights, but being willing to lay them down for the sake of another’s spiritual well-being. If something you do could cause a fellow believer to stumble or struggle, choose the path of love and self-sacrifice. In doing so, you honor Christ and help build up the body of believers. [36:23]
1 Corinthians 8:9-13 (ESV)
"But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 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? And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble."
Reflection: Is there a freedom or habit in your life that could cause someone else to struggle in their faith? What is one way you can adjust your behavior out of love for others?
Day 5: Christian Liberty Must Be Governed by Love
While we have freedom in Christ, that freedom is not a license to do whatever we please without regard for others. True Christian liberty is always exercised with a heart of love, seeking to edify and protect the faith of those around us. Maturity in Christ means being more concerned with being right with God and helping others grow than with always being right in our own eyes. Sometimes, this means making sacrifices or choosing a different path for the sake of someone else’s spiritual journey. Let your liberty be a tool for building up the church, not tearing it down, and let love be the guiding principle in all you do. [42:59]
Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV)
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to let love, rather than personal preference or freedom, guide your actions today? How can you serve someone else out of love this week?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jul 30, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?