When Knowledge Can Be Dangerous ~ I Corinthians 8:1-3

Landmark Baptist Santa Rosa

Pastor John Opferman

6:00 PM

November 10, 2024

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Main Topics Discussed

Introduction

• Opening Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

• Verse 1: "Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth."

• Verse 2: "If any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know."

• Verse 3: "But if any man love God, the same is known of him."

• Prayer for Understanding: Ask God to open our eyes to this truth in love and humility.

The Nature of Knowledge and Its Dangers

• The Value of Knowledge

• Knowledge is important for growth and guidance; it enriches our understanding of God and the world.

• Christianity itself has a long history of promoting education (e.g., universities like Harvard, Yale, etc., founded by churches for theological studies).

• The Problem with Knowledge

• Knowledge without love becomes prideful ("puffs up" like a puffer fish).

• Illustration: The puffer fish, though appearing larger, becomes dangerous due to its toxic nature; similarly, knowledge without humility and love can become toxic.

• Quotations: Wisdom from thinkers like Einstein, George Bernard Shaw, and Samuel Johnson, all cautioning that knowledge alone can be perilous.

• The Example of the Pharisees and Scribes

• They were knowledgeable in the Scriptures but lacked humility and love, becoming spiritually "puffed up."

• Jesus’ rebuke (Matthew 23:15): They became harmful to others and more distanced from the truth.

The Role of Charity (Love) in Knowledge

• Knowledge Must Be Tempered with Charity

• "Charity edifieth" – Knowledge builds up only when it is rooted in love.

• True love builds (edifies) others; it is likened to a wise house builder (1 Corinthians 3:10).

• Paul’s Guidance in Ephesians 4:15

• “Speaking the truth in love” is essential; without love, truth can be harsh and hurtful.

• Love softens the delivery of truth, making it constructive rather than destructive.

Misapplication of Knowledge without Love

• The Corinthian Misunderstanding

• The Corinthians correctly understood that idols were nothing, so eating food offered to idols was technically permissible.

• However, this knowledge led them to act without considering how their actions affected others.

• Their knowledge was misapplied because it lacked love for God and fellow believers.

• If Any Man Thinks He Knows… (1 Corinthians 8:2)

• Paul points out that those who think they know, do not yet know as they should.

• True understanding requires humility, acknowledging that we never know it all.

Love as the Foundation for True Knowledge

• Love as the Building Block of Knowledge

• Knowledge must be balanced by a love that seeks the well-being of others and humility before God.

• Knowledge without love builds pride, while love with knowledge builds up the soul and others.

• God as the Source of True Wisdom

• God gives understanding, and knowledge is a gift from Him.

• Example of Nebuchadnezzar: He lost his wisdom when he became prideful, demonstrating that wisdom is from God.

The Importance of Knowing God and Being Known by Him

• Loving God Deepens Our Understanding

• Loving God aligns us with Him and allows us to understand His Word deeply.

• Verse 3 Insight: "But if any man love God, the same is known of him." Knowledge of God is a mutual relationship, where being known by God enhances our wisdom.

• Knowledge in Light of a Relationship with Christ

• Salvation and a personal relationship with Jesus are essential for understanding Scripture and truth.

• Example: Nicodemus – though a Pharisee and teacher, he could not comprehend spiritual truths without being "born again" (John 3).

Conclusion and Application

• Pride vs. Humility in Learning

• Recognize that knowledge alone puffs up, but true understanding requires humility and love.

• Approach learning with a heart that seeks to love God and build up others, rather than elevate oneself.

• A Prayer for Love-Tempered Knowledge

• Ask God to help us balance knowledge with love, that we may avoid pride and build up others in our faith.

• Invitation to Seek a Relationship with God

• Encourage those listening to seek a relationship with God as the foundation for true knowledge and wisdom.

Biblical References 

• 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

• "Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth."

• "If any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know."

• "But if any man love God, the same is known of him."

• Matthew 23:15

• "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves."

• 1 Corinthians 13:2

• "And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."

• 1 Corinthians 3:10-11

• "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

• Ephesians 4:15

• "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ."

• 2 Timothy 2:15

• "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

• John 3:3

• "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

• Luke 24:25-27

• "Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself."

• Luke 24:44-45

• "And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures."

Reflection Questions 

1. How do I balance my pursuit of knowledge with humility and love?
   Reflect on ways you seek to learn, whether in spiritual or everyday matters, and consider if your approach helps build up others or elevates yourself.

2. In what areas of my life might I be 'puffed up' by knowledge rather than guided by love?
   Think about times when knowledge has made you feel superior or distant from others and how a heart of charity could change your perspective.

3. How can I ensure that my knowledge of God leads to spiritual growth and genuine compassion rather than judgment?
   Reflect on whether your understanding of Scripture encourages a closer walk with Christ and genuine kindness toward others.

4. What practices help me invite God’s love into my knowledge and understanding?
   Consider if prayer, Scripture meditation, or community discussions help you maintain a balance between knowledge and charity.

5. How do I respond when I encounter others who may lack knowledge or understanding in an area I’m familiar with?
   Reflect on whether your reaction shows patience and love, recognizing that we all have areas of growth, or if it reveals a need for more grace.

Daily Activities 

1. Practice Humble Listening

• Activity: Engage in a conversation on a topic you feel knowledgeable about and focus on listening rather than sharing your own insights.

• Application: Prioritize humility and connection, asking questions and encouraging the other person to share, allowing God to foster empathy and patience within you.

2. Show Love through Service

• Activity: Volunteer, assist a friend, or help a stranger this week in a practical way that demonstrates Christ’s love.

• Application: Approach the act of service with a heart of humility, viewing it as an opportunity to love and uplift others, letting your actions speak more than words.

3. Scripture Meditation on Love and Knowledge

• Activity: Spend a few days reading and meditating on 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 13.

• Application: Reflect on the balance between knowledge and love, journaling any areas where pride may need to be replaced with humility, and pray for God’s guidance in your growth.

4. Charity Edifies Journal

• Activity: Each day, write down one instance where you used knowledge to encourage or build someone up with love.

• Application: Use this exercise to cultivate awareness of how you can share knowledge with humility, reinforcing habits of edification and empathy.

5. Discuss with a Mentor or Friend

• Activity: Arrange a discussion with a trusted friend or mentor about this sermon, sharing your takeaways and learning.

• Application: Seek feedback on how you can grow in humility and love, inviting accountability in balancing knowledge with a spirit of kindness and understanding.