Some things are neutral until we get hold of them.  For example, the internet is just a means of communicating information.  However, some people are addicted to surfing the web so that essential tasks are neglected.  When they surf the internet they sin.  Driving a car is neutral.  It is just a means to get from point A to point B.  However, some people feel the need to drive over the speed limit and change lanes without indicating.  When these people drive, they sin.  I have to be careful when I eat.  I know that God has designed my body for a certain intake of calories, but I am fond of chocolate cake and particularly Oberweis ice-cream.  I don’t stop when I should.  In the passage, Paul points out that eating food that has been offered to idols is neutral. However, in some people’s minds it connects them to a former life where they served those idols.  For the people who make that connection in their minds it is a sin to eat the food.  What neutral thing causes you to sin?  T.V.?  Computers? Conversation with a certain neighbour?

1 Corinthians 8:7,8

 ⁷But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. ⁸But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

Questions

1. What are some people accustomed to?
2. How does being accustomed to a way of thinking affect some Corinthian Christians?
3. Is the person who takes a rigid stance on food sacrificed to idols weak or strong?
4. How might a Christian response to alcohol reflect the response to idols in the passage?
5. Should a church use grape juice instead of wine in their communion because of associations between wine and sin in the minds of the weak?

Going Deeper

Think of an area which is neutral that may be having a negative affect on your life (e.g. texting, eating sugar, computer use).  Take a day off from that activity. 

Think of an area where you do not have a problem, but a friend does.  How would you giving up that area affect your friendship?