Idol Worshipping

Meat Offered to Idols

Christianity Oasis provides this Idol Worshipping study on Bad Meat Offering Meat Offered to Idols bringing forth truth, understanding and peace within.


Daily Bread Devotional Bible Study
The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians
Chapter 8


Idol Worshipping

Bad Meat Offering - Meat Offered to Idols

Welcome to our Christianity Oasis Daily Bread study program. This is our very concerning Idol Worshipping Bible study looking into Bad Meat Offering Meat Offered to Idols. The absolutely interesting Idol worshipping and Meat offered to idols message will truly bring a smile to the lips and heart and shine the LIGHT of Truth upon your be-YOU-tiful Christian walk path.

Idol Worshipping Study
Bad Meat Offering - Meat Offered to Idols Concern

Happy to have you back at our Daily Bread! As we continue studying Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians, remember that Corinth was a heathen nation and was, like all Greek cities, full of temples to heathen idols. Sacrifices were constantly offered of which the meat was afterwards eaten.

The question arose of whether a Christian could partake of such meat without being guilty of eating meat offered to idols, since knowledge that an idol was non-existent.

Paul explains that it wasn't a question of knowledge, but a question of charity. People who claim to be knowledgeable are conceited and are not seeking for the true knowledge, which is wisdom. Humility is an essential element in attaining this. He who loves God, knows Him and is known by Him. Love of God is the means by which to obtain wisdom.

There are many people who say that if you eat certain meats including pork or shrimp that you are sinning. Some even tell others they will go to Hell if they do so. But can this be Truth? I mean ... Would God put someone in Hell because they had bacon with their eggs for breakfast? Could all these bacon lovers be headed for hell or at least need to beg for forgiveness because they ate a slice of bacon or a sausage link?

Idol Worshipping Truth
Bad Meat Offering - Meat Offered to Idols Warning

I do not eat pork myself, so I have no personal gain in providing this study, but I know many that do and I am here to share Truth for them. If you choose to read this entire study and look up the scripture provided ... You will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free.

Where did these individuals that seek to condemn others get their information as to place such an outlandish "curse" upon those that eat pork and other meats that they came to love, because of Mom's delicious dinners ...

They are quoting Leviticus, Chapter 11 ... God gave the Israelites these laws on meats that they could and meats that they could not eat. These laws and customs were kinda like a blood pact or a deal between God and the Israelites known as the Old Covenant.

However ... The Israelites broke the Covenant through their many sins and because they could not hold up their part of the bargain and because God loved them so much ... God knew He would have to make a New Covenant and even foretold this in prophecy:

Jeremiah 31:31-34

31 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a New Covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord:
33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Idol Worshipping Lesson
Bad Meat Offering - Meat Offered to Idols Danger

Mankind had broke the law so many times that all the sacrifices in the world would not remove the sin. So God, who loved them so dearly sacrificed His Son to get His children into Heaven. The blood of Jesus cleanses away that sin when we accept Him as our Lord and believe that He died for our sins, was resurrected, returned to Heaven and will return again. His precious blood was the new blood pact between God and mankind and it brought in the New Covenant.

Hebrews 8:6-8

6 But now hath He [Jesus] obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He [Jesus] is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
8 For finding fault with them, He saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a New Covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:

Jesus echoed this Truth when He said:

Matthew 26:28

For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Now this New Covenant does not only apply to the Israelites but also the "Gentiles" ... In other words the New Covenant is not for the Israelites which were God's chosen people, but rather for Christians of all walks including the Israelite believers.

Idol Worshipping Research
Bad Meat Offering - Meat Offered to Idols Fear

When Jesus died for our sins, was resurrected and 40 days later ascended to Heaven, the Apostles began to spread the Gospel of Jesus. Peter knew of the Jewish law from the Old Covenant. He believed that to hang out with "Gentiles" or to eat certain meats was a sin. But, He was shown the Truth of the New Covenant in a vision from the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:9-16

9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
11 And saw Heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into Heaven.

This vision had a two-fold meaning. One that the meats were cleansed as He clearly spoke but it also had a Spiritual meaning that the "Gentiles" were now being allowed into the pasture of God just as the Jewish people were.

Idol Worshipping Facts
Bad Meat Offering - Meat Offered to Idols Trouble

When the vision was completed, Peter was pondering on the vision and men came to bring Peter to the house of a "Gentile" who was to hear the Gospel from Peter.

Acts 10:17-34

17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an Holy Angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Idol Worshipping Falsehood
Bad Meat Offering - Meat Offered to Idols Lie

The Jewish Apostles had a disagreement tho. Some thought the Gentiles that became Christians were to obey the old Jewish laws and customs but The Holy Spirit told them what should be and this is it:

Acts 15:28-29

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

In short if you are not Jewish ... You are a Gentile. You are not bound to Jewish customs of the Old Covenant. As Christians, we are bound under the New Covenant (New Testament) not the Old Covenant just as our Father said He has broken the Old Covenant.

Now did you notice that in the commands to the gentiles, that it spoke of abstaining from meats offered to idols? Perhaps you are wondering what is that all about ... Paul brings light to this issue as well:

1 Corinthians 8:4-8

4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in Heaven or in Earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him.
7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

Idol Worshipping Talk
Bad Meat Offering - Meat Offered to Idols Debate

Paul's language can be a little tricky so let's put it like this ... There is only one God. So any meat being offered to an idol (false god) is really nothing as these false gods do not exist. But everyone is not aware of this Truth and eat certain meats and believe these meats are symbolic so it is the belief that brings it to life and since we, as Christians do not believe we are not subject to their ritual. Meats do not get us closer to God. So whether we eat meat or not, matters not.

However ... Paul added to his words knowing that drama could occur over this and taught us what we should do.

1 Corinthians 8:9-13

9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

Paul is saying that the freedom we receive from knowing the Truth of this matter which sets us free from the false belief ... May cause those who are unable to comprehend the Truth to get con-fused. We seek not to hurt our fellow Christian's faith so not to eat such food in front of them.

Idol Worshipping Deception
Bad Meat Offering - Meat Offered to Idols Trap

In other words ... If you are at your favorite local breakfast restaurant like IHOP or Denny's, wearing your cross to represent Jesus having your usual two eggs two slices of bacon, toast and coffee and someone comes up and says heyyyyyyy I see you are wearing the Cross, but you are also eating bacon which is pork which may be the meat offered to the god of the swine people tribe or something ... Since you have no time to share what I have just shared, it is best to pick up those two pieces of bacon, set them in your napkin and fold it gently (If bacon is crisp) and when they walk away, open up that napkin and enjoy your bacon in peace. This will be walking that second mile.

Or, if you do have the time ... You could just explain this Truth to them as Paul did to us.

My friend, our Lord Jesus said it best when He said:

Mark 7:18-20

18 And He saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
20 And He said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

Idol Worshipping is Wrong
Bad Meat Offering - Meat Offered to Idols is Fake

In other words ... It is not the meat that goes into us, but rather the words and deeds that come out of us that will be judged.

The Apostle Paul further addresses the meats issue:

1 Timothy 4:1-4

1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the Truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

Idol Worshipping Disaster
Bad Meat Offering - Meat Offered to Idols Pit

Sooooooo, we find that that those bacon loving rascals across the world are not sentenced to an eternity in Hell nor do they need to fall to their knees and beg for forgiveness for their passion for pork despite the meat offered to idols laws of the Old Covenant.

What one should truly beware is ... Quoting customs of the Israelites before the New Covenant and placing the burdens of the Old Covenant between God and the Israelites on fellow Christians.

The Grace versus Law issue is a tricky one. Jesus made it clear that the law was not being destroyed but rather ... Fulfilled.

Matthew 5:17-19

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till Heaven and Earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

God explains this best when He said that with the New Covenant, He will put the laws within our Hearts.

Jeremiah 31:33

But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Someone asked Jesus ... Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Here is our Lord's response:

Matthew 22:37-40

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

The foundation of the "law" is to Love God with all your heart, soul and mind and to Love one another. If you choose do this everything else will fall into place.

Idol Worshipping Conclusion
Bad Meat Offering - Meat Offered To Idols Summary

So you see the law was not changed but rather fulfilled. The Israelites were God's chosen people and now Christians are God's chosen people and Peter just had to get over his worldly view of the "law" and understand it's Spiritual Truth.

This works the same with ... Meat offered to idols.

Seek not to judge others by use of laws, but rather to share Truth of Grace with Love. Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you discernment and understanding in all matters before quoting law unless you understand the Spiritual depths of said law.

Galatians 2:21

I do not frustrate the Grace of God. For if righteousness comes by the law ... Then Christ is dead in vain.

Ephesians 2:8-9

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Happy you were here to share this Daily Bread. Join in again soon for our next study of the First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians.

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