"The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness."
Text: 1 Corinthians 10:26
THE CONSCIENCE
From the reading of the Scriptures and from personal experience we know that there is such a thing as the “conscience”. Paul wisely appealed to the conscience in the following text.
“Eat whatever is sold in the meat market,
asking no questions for conscience’ sake;
for ‘the earth is the LORD’S, and all its fullness.'”
1 Corinthians 10:25-26
1. “Eat whatever is sold in the meat market”
a) The meat market
i) The word is simply “market”.
ii) Meat is sold in the market place among other products.
b) Everyone goes to the market to purchase what is needed.
c) Meat may be purchased there and consumed.
2. “Asking no questions for conscience’ sake”
a) The source of meat
i) There is no need to ask as to the source of the meat.
ii) The meat may be from the butcher. (They did not have abattoirs in those days.)
iii) Some meat may even have been sold after they have been offered at the temple.
b) For conscience’ sake
i) The conscience of some may be very sensitive.
ii) They may be disturbed or even deeply troubled if they find out that the meat had been offered to idols.
iii) Some who have a stronger faith may not be affected at least.
iv) Some with a weaker faith may be troubled in heart and mind.
3. “The earth is the LORD’S, and all its fullness”
a) Corinth was a city that had many idolaters.
b) It would be inevitable that some would purchase meat from the temples for sale in the market.
c) The believer need not be afraid that he might sin against the Lord.
d) Ultimately, the earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness.
e) The believer may answer his conscience with this deep understanding.
f) The conscience need not be affected adversely in any way.
g) The word of the Lord can prevail against the sensitive conscience