The Reality of Christian Community -1 Corinthians 7-8

1 Corinthians 8:4-6 (ESV Strong's)
4 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.” 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 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.

The Reality of Christian Community

In the city of Corinth there was a lot of idol worship.   In that “idol” worship their would be sacrifices of animals to those false/no gods.   The “meat” that was often offered to idol would then become merchandise in the market place.   Believers in Christ had access to that meat.  The question Paul is answering in the above passage is, “Should a believer buy cheap cuts of meat that was once used as an offering to false god?”   Paul, in this chapter, will go on to say that the guiding principal for this discussion is to not do something that might offend another believer in this area:

1 Corinthians 8:13 (ESV Strong's)
13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

However, in the above verses we see the basis of his proclamation.   He does not believe the “meat” is good or bad, because there is really only one true God.   Eating meat that might have previously served as a sacrifice to someone’s make-believe god does nothing to the meat.  That is Paul’s point.  However, in the mind of a brother or sister in Christ who used to live in that arena, it can make a difference.   The point Paul is making is that Christ is the only true God and what we do with Him and in front of His children matters more than a piece of flank steak.   My individual appetite should not go to the extent to offend another brother or sister in Christ.   We don’t see much centered around meat today, but we might consider these principles in regard to wine, alcohol, entertainment, or similar areas.  Paul is telling us that real Christianity considers these areas in our lives.  We are not living in a vacuum.  We live in a community of believers and we must considering our actions in light of the greater community.   In our society, today, we have lost sight of both the power of community, as well as the obligation we have to support and honor the convictions of others in the community.   Christianity is the antidote for the havoc and disrespect we see in our world toward others.   The above passage teaches that Christianity is real in practical matter of community.