praying effectively: Keep Weak From Stumbling (1 Cor.8:1-13)

(1 Corinthians 8:1-13)  Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. 2 If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; 3 but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.

4 Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.

7 However not all men have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. 8 But food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat. 9 But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols? 11 For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. 12 And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will: that while living in God's grace and freedom, we are careful not to cause a weaker believer to stumble, while doing something like eating food which has been sacrificed to idols/other gods (8:9-13)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for our freedom that we find in Your grace.  I do not know when or where or how such a situation could arise, where I would be offered food sacrificed to idols, but if it ever does, give me insight and wisdom to know what to say and do so that I do not cause a fellow believer to stumble.   In general, may I always behave in such a way so as to not cause a weaker believer to stumble.  

Help Your Church to not fall into legalistic behavior because of fear and worry about what others might think or do, but guide Your Church in equipping the saints in truth, so that we understand Your word and Your will - to not take Your grace for granted - but to focus on doing the things that please and glorify You.  Amen.