Lesson 9. The Gospel: A Message that Builds Up

Day 4

Looking to Jesus and considering His death on the cross for our sins and His victorious resurrection truly is what grows us up into Christ. If we want spiritual growth and victorious living, it will only come through the way of the cross. Throughout our study of 1 Corinthians, we have repeatedly seen Paul encourage, correct, and instruct by contrasting unbecoming behavior with the way of the cross. Let’s read:
“For if others see you—with your “superior knowledge”—eating in the temple of an idol, won’t they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol? 11 So because of your superior knowledge, a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed”
1 Corinthians 8:10-11

Question 1. According to 1 Corinthians 8: 10-11, what did Christ’s death have to do with how people were acting in Corinth?

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The behavior of the "knowledgeable" Christians in Corinth was disastrous - wounding and violating the consciences of weaker believers. To correct this harmful pattern of behavior, Paul reminds these knowledgeable ones of the cross. He teaches that Jesus died for all believers and to live in such a way (even if it isn't sinful) that confuses or sends weak believers into harm's way is anti-cross, anti-Christian, anti-Christ.
Throughout the centuries, theologians have pondered the phrase, "a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed," but we benefit more from looking at the big picture, the overarching theme: some were damaging weaker believers (possibly for eternity) by exercising their superior knowledge. In the body of Christ, such behavior is unworthy of the cross, where Jesus was damaged to death to save us and set us free from a selfish mindset.
Can you see how relevant the Scriptures are for 21st century Christians today? Look at how one group of believers with some knowledge of a subject can bring division over issues that are secondary to the gospel, but, in stark contrast, viewing the cross of Christ unites the people of God!
Consider the lyrics of this song by Godfrey Birtill. Note the contrast between what we see and don’t see when we stop at the cross and look at the blood Jesus shed:
When I look at the blood All I see is love love love When I stop at the cross I can see the love of God But I can't see competition I can't see hierarchy I can't see pride or prejudice Or the abuse of authority I can't see lust for power I can't see manipulation I can't see rage or anger Or selfish ambition But I can't see unforgiveness I can't see hate or envy I can't see stupid fighting Or bitterness or jealousy I can't see empire building I can't see self-importance I can't see backstabbing Or vanity or arrogance I see surrender, sacrifice, salvation, humility, righteousness, faithfulness, grace, forgiveness Love Love Love........ When I Stop!....at the cross I can see the love of God.
http://godfreyb.com/
It is easy to understand how looking at the cross should change us. If we feel we have knowledge of a particular subject but are hurting others with it, we don’t know as we should, and we are not looking at the cross. But when we stop and look at the cross and experience the love of God, we will want to display that love to others.

Question 2. Have you stopped to look at the cross lately? Do you see the love of God for you displayed in Jesus’ eyes and shown in His death? Please explain:

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Living and Growing in the Gospel