1 Corinthians 8:4-6

New King James Version

Therefore, concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.

For Encouragement

I love biblical affirmations. They set Christian truths solidly in Christ, the Lord of the church. They also direct the minds and hearts of believers to where they belong and must rest.

There are no ifs or buts. All ambiguities are removed from the Christian path to glory. This is the narrow road that leads to the pearly gates and through onto the streets of gold. What joy! How beautiful it is to hear the affirmations of our faith in Christ!

Paul asserted with apostolic authority that idols have no actual existence and that there is only one God (1 Cor. 8:4). He addressed this to the Corinthian church in response to concerns about eating meat sacrificed to idols (vv. 4-8). According to Paul, idols are man-made objects intended to meet spiritual needs, but they have no power. This same issue was at the heart of Elijah’s confrontation on Mt. Carmel (cf. 1 Kings 18:23-29).

With equal authority, the apostle to the Gentiles declares that there is only one God and one Lord (1 Corinthians 8:6).

Yet for us there is but one God, the Father. All things came from Him, and for Him we live. There is but one Lord, Jesus Christ. Through Him all things came, and through Him we live.

Paul affirms, as John MacArthur puts it, the essential equality of God the Father and God the Son (The MacArthur Bible Commentary, pg. 1583).

The core of our faith is the truth that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are three distinct persons in one. This is the Trinity. Confidently, we affirm there is no other besides Him (Deuteronomy 4:34-35). Isn’t it beautiful?

Throughout history, many despots have elevated themselves to the status of gods and demanded worship. Their wretched ends display their folly. The situation of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4:28-33) and Herod (Acts 12:21-23) illustrate this madness. Recent examples will not be different. No one can share the Almighty’s glory. It is His unique privilege.  

Every other person, dead or alive, every effigy worshipped, every prophet people follow and die for, is an idol. They are lifeless apart from the enemy’s work through them. His purpose is to deceive and lead people astray from the truth in Christ Jesus, the only Savior and Lord.

What power or authority do you lack in your Triune God that you would go after these other “gods”? They are lifeless and powerless. If Jesus is your God, Lord, and King Eternal, why fear eating what is sanctified with prayer?

So, rejoice in your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Stand firm in faith, glorify God the Father through Him, and walk boldly in the power and assurance of the Holy Spirit, knowing you lack nothing in Him.

Pray with Me

What a wonderful God we have! To Elijah’s challenge to choose between idols and You, we, your redeemed, choose to worship You, declaring with Paul that there is no God but You. You are the One and Only God enthroned above your creation. From You and through You and to You are all things. To You we ascribe glory forever. Amen!

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