1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Now as touching things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but charity edifies.… I. KNOWLEDGE PUFFETH UP. 1. This applies to all knowledge, whether human or Divine, when unaccompanied with love to God. 2. Its effect is — (1) To inflate men's notions of the powers of human reason and the importance of human knowledge. (2) To encourage self-confidence and conceit. 3. The reason — (1) Knowledge without faith acts upon the intellect, but leaves the heart untouched. II. LOVE EDIFIETH. 1. Love — (1) Depends on faith. (2) Implies confidence, submission, obedience, sacrifice. 2. Its effect. It edifies — (1) By strengthening the understanding and the will. (2) By building up the moral character. (3) By elevating the spirit. (4) By bringing man into direct communion with God. (J. Lyth, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. |