1 Corinthians: For Whom We Exist
from Bethel Baptist Church Hosted by Dr. Robert Cosand
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 In his discussion of the issue of eating food that had been offered to idols and then sold in the marketplace, Paul responds to the notion that there are many gods. In 1 Corinthians 4:6, we have a declaration that proclaims at least three massive truths. "For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth . . . yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist" (1 Cor 8:5-6). First, we have the declaration that there is only one God. This truth flies in the face of the common polytheism of the first century or the twenty-first century. Polytheism is as old as the human race … whether it was the pantheon of Egyptian gods or the proliferation of Hindu gods. Second, we have the declaration that this unique God is the source of everything that exists … "from whom are all things." This truth disallows any idea of the origin of the universe that excludes a Maker. If there is a Creator, then we are responsible to Him. Third, we have the declaration that this unique God is the purpose for life … "for whom we exist." We exist for God … not in the sense that we meet some unfulfilled needs He has, but to put His pre-eminence on display (cf. Col 1:16-18).
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