1 Corinthians 8 · Grade 4
For the Sake of a Brother
Read and Think
Much of the meat in Corinth's markets had first been offered at pagan temples. The Corinthians asked whether believers could eat it. Some proud members said they had knowledge: idols are not real, so the food did not matter.
Paul agrees that an idol is nothing and that there is one God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus Christ. But he warns that knowledge alone can make people proud. Love builds up. The person who loves God is known by Him.
Not everyone had this knowledge. For some newer believers, eating that food felt like worshiping the idol again, and it wounded their conscience. Paul says that hurting such a brother, for whom Christ died, is sinning against Christ. He is willing to give up meat forever rather than cause his brother to stumble.
Show What You Know
Why did some proud members think the food did not matter?
What is the danger of knowledge alone?
Why did eating the food wound some believers' conscience?
What was Paul willing to give up for his brother?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- Some proud members said they had : idols are not real, so the food did not matter.
- Paul agrees that an is nothing and that there is one God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus Christ.
- The person who loves is known by Him.
- For some newer believers, eating that felt like worshiping the idol again, and it wounded their conscience.
- Paul says that hurting such a , for whom Christ died, is sinning against Christ.
Think About It
Paul says love is more important than being right. When is it wise to give up something you are free to do for the sake of someone else?
How can you build up a friend who is new in his or her faith?
Memory Verse
“Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”
1 Corinthians 8:1 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for love that builds others up. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- What could you gladly go without so a friend feels loved?
- How can you use what you know to help others?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.