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““IF ANY MAN LOVETH GOD”

Thesis: To teach the hearer the true definition of biblical love.

Text: 1 Cor 8:1-3

1Co 8:1 Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth. 1Co 8:2 If any man thinketh that he knoweth anything, he knoweth not yet as he ought to know; 1Co 8:3 but if any man loveth God, the same is known by him.

Introduction,
1. As most well know there was a ton of problems at the congregation at Corinth, false teaching, division, anarchy in worship, arrogance, pride and some, even outright rebellion to apostolic authority.

2. The epistle of 1 Corinthians is actually the second epistle written to them by the apostle Paul, as seen in 1 Cor 5:9-11, where he states (1 Cor 5:9-11) . . .

1Co 5:9 I wrote unto you in my epistle to have no company with fornicators; 1Co 5:10 not at all meaning with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous and extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world: 1Co 5:11 but as it is, I wrote unto you not to keep company, if any man that is named a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no, not to eat.

3. And it seems that since that epistle was delivered unto them, they had written back to the inspired apostle (as affirmed in 1 Cor 7:1 where it states “now concerning the things whereof ye wrote”) they evidently had asked him a number of questions on such topics as “marriage” “idolatry” “spiritual gifts” and “the collection for the saints,” the answers to these questions take up a good portion of what we call 1st epistle to the Corinthians.

4. And in chapters 8-10 the specific topic is “idolatry,” and how the Christian was to deal with this widespread evil in a manner that would be pleasing to God.

5. One of the basic truths about Christianity, and the things of God in general, is that the person who has knowledge of these truths, is in possession of more “proper knowledge” than all the men combined throughout time have been able to apprehend on their own.

6. There is the truth about creation, the purpose of life on this earth, how the whole material universe fits together and why, the unrevealing of the heavenly realms, what is on the other side of that which is referred to as death, and that’s not to mention the many spiritual truths, that when properly applied, are able to bring mankind back to the point where God wants them to be, which (not by coincidence) also happens to be the same state in which one is prepared for heaven, remembering that heaven is a prepared place, for a prepared people (John 14:1-6), a changed people, those who are being renewed through knowledge unto the image of God through the gospel (Col 3:10).

7. Thinking like God, acting like God, in order that we can forever be with God; this is a lot of knowledge, yet knowledge in itself without some other major components (faith, love, hope and wisdom), is nothing more that a bunch of cold hard facts.

8. And that was one of the basic problems at Corinth; they had the knowledge that surpassed all their contemporaries, in a time when the philosophies of men were at their zenith, and they possessed the spiritual gifts that would verify this knowledge as the truth, yet they were missing some vital components necessary for the proper medium of spiritual growth, the biggest of them was love, which is something that is lacking today among many in their Christian walk unto the heavenly places.

9. Therefore in an attempt to deal with this problem, in this lesson we will look at . . .
1) The truth about “Knowledge” (1 Cor 8:1a)
2) The truth about “Pride” (1 Cor 8:1b-2)
3) The truth about “Love” (1 Cor 8:3)

I. THE TRUTH ABOUT “KNOWLEDGE” (1 Cor 8:1a)

A. (v 1)

1Co 8:1a Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge.

In this section of the epistle Paul answers questions of which they had written him (7:1) concerning things (meats specifically) sacrificed to idols, and he answers 3 basic questions . . .

1) Is it OK to eat meats in an idols temple?

2) Is it permissible to buy meats from the market place that may have been previously used in heathen ceremonies?

3) Can a Christian eat meats in the house of a non-believer that formerly were sacrificed to idols?

1. These answers to these questions were a little complex, yet the basic principle to be followed is found in Ps 24:1 . . .

Psa 24:1 The earth is Jehovah's, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein.

a. The meats are God’s, they in themselves are amoral, they are neither wicked no righteous in and of themselves; and they are good for consumption, as seen in 1 Tim 4:4-5 . . .

1Ti 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving: 1Ti 4:5 for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.

b. And by eating them we are not better nor worse Christians as verified in (1 Cor 8:8) . . .

1Co 8:8 But food will not commend us to God: neither, if we eat not, are we the worse; nor, if we eat, are we the better.

c. Yet by the giving of thanks for them unto God (that sacrifice of thanksgiving; Ps 50:23) He is glorified, thus fulfilling 1 Cor 10:31 . . .

1Co 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

2. Yet there was much more to consider than that, and that is how our actions affect “others,” for the Lord said (Mt 7:12a) . . .

Mat 7:12a All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them:

a. There were the weaker Christians who thought these things in themselves were wrong because they couldn’t in their mind separated the meats from the idols, therefore they thought those who ate such were sinning, and this could lead them to defile their own conscience by also eating of said meats; thereby when one exercised his liberty, he was basically destroying the faith of one whom Christ died for (1 Cor 8:11).

b. And there were the pagans who actually believed an idol was something, thus if you ate meat sanctified by his god, he seen you as hypocritical, for knowing you were now involved in his god, and you formerly said that your God was the one and only true God, remembering also that this person is a perspective Christian, thus you wouldn’t want to sway him away “from” Jehovah, but rather “towards” Him.

c. For the earth is Jehovah’s (which includes the meats in this context), and “they that dwell therein” that would be the Christian and the idolater alike, therefore the faithful Christian would give up his liberty in eating meats for the weaker brother’s and the pagan’s own good, as Paul stated in 1 Cor 8:13 . . .

1Co 8:13 Wherefore, if meat causeth my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh for evermore, that I cause not my brother to stumble.

3. So what’s the application, if there is any, seeing that idolatry is basically unknown in America today?

a. The first application would be that of covetousness, which is defined as idolatry in (Col 3:5),

Col 3:5 Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;

b. “Covetousness” is where one’s desires for anything (one’s work, money, fame, pleasure, pastimes, success, other’s possessions) occupies the place in one’s heart, that is reserved for God alone, He is to be first and foremost in our lives (Mt 6:33a; 22:37b).

Mat 6:33 But seek ye “first” the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;

Mat 22:37b Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with “all” thy heart, and with “all” thy soul, and with “all” thy mind.

c. We can’t let others even think that we put these “things” before “the Most High,” because to do so would make them think that we have lowered God to “the 2nd most high,” which of course would not be true.

d. And the second application has to do with the false religious practices of the denomi “nations” round about us; if they think we condone, or partake in any manner, of that which is unbiblical, such as . . .

i. The religious observance of such things as Easter, Christmas, and other unauthorized holy days.

ii. The use of mechanical instruments in worship of God

iii. The allowing of woman to exercise authority over a man in the church

iv. The raising of monies in any manner besides a collection among the members,

v. The approval of any type of work or organizing of the Lord’s church apart from what is revealed in the NT, and so on.

e. To lead someone to conclude that we would partake in any of these (even if when we don’t) would basically parallel the same situation that we see at Corinth, the weaker Christians may be led into them and defile their consciences and their souls by the transgressing of God’s Laws.

f. And it would also be hard to lead those from the religions of men, if they believed we were not true to God’s word (as we claim to be).

4. But the problem with some of the Corinthians was that, based upon their knowledge, they didn’t “want” to sacrifice their liberty for others sake, this goes against the basic premise of Christianity, our Lord said . . . (Luke 9:23; 14:33)

Luk 9:23 . . . If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Luk 14:33 So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath (that includes self based rights), he cannot be my disciple.

a. Their knowledge was being used by them as a tool for self gain and promotion, and that is just not the Christian way, here is the Christian way (Ja 4:10) . . .

Jam 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

b. This is the “truth about Knowledge” this is the point to where it should lead you.

II. THE TRUTH ABOUT “PRIDE” (1 Cor 8:1b-2)

A. (v 1b)

1Co 8:1b Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.

A proper “knowledge” concerning the things of God is essential and extremely valuable (Phili 3:8)

Phi 3:8 Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ,

For Christianity is a taught religion (John 6:45) . . .

Joh 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

1. Without a proper knowledge, and the aligning our lives to that knowledge, we cannot be saved, as seen in the case of the unbelieving Jews, of whom Paul wrote (Rom 10:2-3) . . .

Rom 10:2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to “knowledge.” Rom 10:3 For being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

a. Therefore it is easy to see that “knowledge” is a “necessary condition” yet it is not a “sufficient condition,” as affirmed in the statement made by Paul in 1 Cor 13:2 . . .

1Co 13:2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

b. For when knowledge is not coupled with love as its motivating force, it tends to puff up its possessor, making them prideful instead of humble in the sight of God, and thereby putting one’s self on the top of the list of the things which God hates, “pride,” “self glory” (Pro 6:16-17a) . . .

Pro 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: Pro 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, . . .

c. Which we should hate also (1 John 2:15-16)

1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1Jo 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

d. How can a person boast in something that was given him? Rather we ought to lifting up God, Who gives us life, breath and all things (Acts 17:25), He knows this, and we should know it and openly acknowledge it in our lives as His children, rather than acting like those of the world who know not God.

2. Yet knowledge without love is the same as faith without a working love (Gal 5:6), or faith without works (Ja 2:17), it is dead, it leads to death, and only promotes self-sufficiency, of which the bible speaks against (Ja 4:15).

Jam 4:15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall both live, and do this or that.

a. Our bodies, our minds, our abilities, this earth, they are ALL God’s, purposed for God, by God, through Christ Jesus our Lord (Col 1:16) . . .

Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

3. Therefore its easy to see how “knowledge” in itself, tends to make one prideful, to puff one up, it, in itself, is self orientated, it is in “our own minds,” it is “ours,”

a. But “love” builds up, and that is what it actually says here in the Greek, “knowledge puffeth up, but love buildeth up.”

b. Love motivates one to share their knowledge, or to hold back their knowledge, depending on the situation, it is that balancing device of the heart which makes us look at others, and their needs, over our own, while still being faithful to God (1 Cor 10:24; Rom 15:1-2).

Rom 15:1 Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Rom 15:2 Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, unto edifying.

c. Love is a necessary element in all we do, it is to be that which motivates everything (turn to 1 Cor 13:1-8a) . . .

1Co 13:1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. 1Co 13:2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1Co 13:3 And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. 1Co 13:4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 1Co 13:5 doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil; 1Co 13:6 rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth; 1Co 13:7 beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 1Co 13:8 Love never faileth

B. (v 2, look back at 1 Cor 8:2)

1Co 8:2 If any man thinketh that he knoweth anything, he knoweth not yet as he ought to know;

The person that thinks they have attained the absolute truth in all things, is the person that can’t be taught, and the person that can’t be taught, is the person that will not experience spiritual growth.

1. Christianity is basically a state of continual growth, continually being transformed, continually being prepared for heaven, continually being renewed daily (2 Cor 4:16b). . .

2Co 4:16b but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is being renewed day by day.

a. And this growth process takes place through our feeding on the word of God, by the study and application thereof (1 Pet 2:2) . . .

1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

b. And for this to be successful, one has to realize that there is a lot to learn, and always be in a seeking mode, always having the humility necessary to admit that one may be in error, and conforming to that one truth as he learns of it, no matter what the cost, this is a condition, that when not met, will cost many their souls.

2. Consider the case of Paul, he gave up all which he had devoted his entire life and being unto when he found out the truth, he left his old religion, his friends, his family, and was basically an outcast on the run the rest of his life, yet he knew he was right with God.

a. Is there some area that we need to change in our lives in order to be aligned with God’s revealed will, or are we too proud and puffed up to humble ourselves before God and others, humility is essential, if we expect to make it to heaven, but pride will cost us our souls (Mt 23:12) . . .

Mat 23:12 . . . whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted.

b. This is “the truth about Pride.”

III. THE TRUTH ABOUT “LOVE” (1 Cor 8:3)

A. (v 3a)

1Co 8:3a but if any man loveth God

How does man love God, is it merely an inward affection?

1. The bible defines love in (2 John 6) . . .

2Jo 1:6 And this is love, that we should walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, even as ye heard from the beginning, that ye should walk in it.

a. This is affirmed by the Lord (John 14:15; 21a) . . .

Joh 14:15 If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments. Joh 14:21a He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them (present tense; “keeps on keeping them”), he it is, that loveth me

b. The Christian is to love his neighbor above himself (1 Cor 10:24), in other words the Christian ought to be always putting himself in other’s shoes and responding to what he sees to their ultimate good, which may be at our loss, but is Christ-like and to be imitated (Phili 2:3-5)

Phi 2:3 doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; Phi 2:4 not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. Phi 2:5 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

c. This is the Spirit of Christ of Rom 8:9a, not the Holy Spirit, if you don’t have this spirit active in you, you are not Christ’s

d. And the Christian is also to love his enemies (Mt 5:44-45a; Rom 12:20-21)

Mat 5:44 but I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you; Mat 5:45a that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven:

Rom 12:20 But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. Rom 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

e. The Christian is to love his brethren, and that, to the extent which Christ loved, these are big shoes to fill, none the less they are ours if we intend on getting to heaven (John 15:12-13) . . .

Joh 15:12 This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you. Joh 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

f. Brotherly love is our proof that we are indeed Christ’s, that we are future recipients of eternal life (1 John 3:14-18; 5:13) . . .

1Jo 3:14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death. 1Jo 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 1Jo 3:16 Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1Jo 3:17 But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him? 1Jo 3:18 My Little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth.

g. We must therefore demonstrate our love by actions.

2. What if we just say we love God, and don't love others above ourselves, and don’t pray for and feed our enemies as He commands, nor give to needy brethren, what then? (1 John 4:20-21) . . .

1Jo 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, cannot love God whom he hath not seen. 1Jo 4:21 And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also.

a. The word “love” here (in 1 Cor 8:3a), is a present active indicative verb, the ASV renders it “loveth,” it is to be an on going process, we must be continual demonstrators, we must be continual workers, we must be continual obeyers, and then we are indeed continual lovers.

B. (v 3b)

1Co 8:3b the same is known by him.

In the Greek this can mean that “the one that loves God, knows God,” or it can mean “the one that loves God, is known by God” both statements are biblical truths.

1. One of the biggest problems outside of the church (and unfortunately some within the Lord’s church) is having a proper knowledge concerning the unchangeable nature of our all knowing, all present, all powerful God, many throughout the ages and especially today have considered the God spoken of in the OT to be just and unbending, while the God of the NT is all loving and merciful.

a. Yet all these attributes and more are inherent in God’s character, but the main difference between the God of the OT and the God of the NT (Who is One in the same) is that He outwardly acted out His blessings and His cursings in the OT upon His people.

b. And in the NT, through which we are told that those examples were for our learning (Rom 15:4), the physical, the types, the shadows (Heb 10:1), are there in order that we may learn from them (1 Cor 10:6, 11), and apply them to that which is spiritual, the anti-types, the true.

c. In other words, what we see in the OT concerning God, is that which we can expect under His New Regime, the only difference being that the punishments and rewards will be dished out in the next life, for a surety.

d. Therefore when you look at the seemingly peaceful body of a deceased person, you need to realize, that person is gone, in Hades, that is but a shell, a tent, a tabernacle, that will turn into dust and be raised on the Last Day, but that person himself is either in Paradise, or in Torments, awaiting the Final Judgment, “That Day” which has been specifically appointed by God (Acts 17:31), the only matter that will be unsettled before “That Day” will be the degree of punishment or reward which one will receive.

e. There will be no crossing over (Luke 16:26; Heb 9:27), just basically the finishing of business, the faithful will spend eternity with God, and those that followed their own wills will spend an eternity in the Lake of Fire.

2. Here is how the bible says that one “knows God” (turn to 1 John 2:3-5) . . .

1Jo 2:3 And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 1Jo 2:5 but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him:

a. The person that keeps God’s commands concerning the loving of his brethren, the loving of others, the loving of His enemies, that rejoices in God’s righteous commands, and not in the ways of the world, can know that they have eternal life awaiting them, John specifically said (1 John 5:13) . . .

1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, even unto you that believe on the name (in the authority of) of the Son of God (and respond obediently to it).

3. And the person that “does” the will of the Father, through thick and thin, in season and out of season, this person will be “known by God,” (2 Tim 2:19b) . . .

2Ti 2:19b The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.

a. These will enjoy the peace that surpasses all understanding based upon God’s unchanging word (Phili 4:7; 1 Pet 1:25).

1Pe 1:25 But the word of the Lord abideth for ever. And this is the word of good tidings which was preached unto you.

b. And they can look forward to those long awaited words (Mt 25:21b) . . .

Mat 25:21b Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

4. And those that follow their own ways, the way of man’s standard of love, walking in lawlessness, who thought they knew God, have only these words to look forward to (Mt 7:23b) . . .

Mat 7:23b I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work lawlessness.

a. How could this happen to them, they thought they were Christ’s, these even had possession of the miraculous gifts of the first century (Mt 7:22), yet He tells them (Mt 25:41b) . . .

Mat 25:41b Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels:

b. They committed lawlessness, they did things “their way” instead of “as it is written”

c. And they claimed to love others, but they did not demonstrate that love in helping others, thus possessed not “faith working through love” (Gal 5:6), but rather a dead love, that inward warmth that did nothing but feel good inside themselves while others were in need.

d. The question is “do you really love God?” “Do you really know Him?” “Does He know you?”

e. For He certainly loves you, and He has demonstrated it (John 3:16) . . .

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.

f. Will you do the same for Him (2 Cor 15; 1 John 3:16)???

2Co 5:15 and he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again.

1Jo 3:16 Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

g. God has set up a plan and delivered it through inspired men, and that plan demands that we die to self and live for God and others . . .

One must . . .

1) Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17);

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

One must . . .

2) Believe that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 8:37; John 8:24); and that God is, and rewards those that earnestly seek after Him (Heb 11:6). Jesus said . . .

Joh 8:24 . . . for except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

One must . . .

3) Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) Jesus stated . . .

Luk 13:3 . . . except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.

One must . . .

4) Confess Christ before men (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9) as did the eunuch, he proclaimed. . .

Act 8:37 . . . that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

And also must you

One must . . .

5) Be baptized (immersed) into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) where His blood was shed (John 19:34) unto (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16); at which point God adds you to the church (Acts 2:47) translates you into the kingdom (Col 1:13) adds you to that one body (1 Cor 12:13) which Christ promised to save (Eph 5:23).

One must . . .

6) Live a life that is holy (1 Pet 1:15), separated from the ways of the world, and separated to the ways of God, determined to follow God’s divine instructions, thereby demonstrating our love of God, Christ, and others and proving it by keeping his commandments (John 14:23-24)

Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. Joh 14:24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my words: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's who sent me.

7) The question is “are you loving God, or are you loving yourself?”


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