“Knowledge puffs up, love builds up.''

 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 

1 Corinthians 8:1 ESV

The difference between puffs up and edifies is striking. 

Knowledge; Puffs up; bubbles

Love; Edifies; building up

"Some christians grow, others swell"

- In this chapter, Paul discussed about the liberty of the christians in response to eating food offered to idols. He said that it's no big deal whether or not we eat the food offered to idols because we do not believe that their gods exist. For there is only one God and one Lord (v.6) whom we live. 

- However, as christians we have great influence to those people around us. The knowledge of liberty that we have might stumble the weaker conscience and it caused us to sin against them and against Jesus. 

- Paul therefore concluded that when eating food offered to idols caused the weaker conscience to sin, then it's better not to eat (exercise that liberty).

4 Things we can learn:

1. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything builds up." 1 Cor.10:23

2. The actions of the christians greatly affect others. It may grow or swell their faith in Jesus. 

3. We may be given knowledge but it will considered as bubbles when we do not apply/use it with love. 

4. The knowledge that God has given us should drive us to edify (builds up) others. If not, we do not love God. We cannot say that we love God and hate others. 

Remember from verse 3 that knowledge can be revealed for those who truly love God, the knowledge that edifies. In this, we know that if the knowledge edifies others then it is from God.

But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. 

1 Corinthians 8:3 ESV