the goal of knowledge - "The aim of Christian ethics is not stoic self-sufficiency which requires proper knowledge; rather, it’s aim is the benefit and advantage of a brother or sister." [1]

in the know - "Once one’s theology is properly in hand, it is especially tempting to use it as a club on others . . . this does not mean that knowledge in either ins relevant or unimportant . . . but that it cannot serve as the primary basis of Christian behavior. In Christian ethics knowledge" must always lead to loving service." [2]

why love is is valued over knowledge - "Love is not just a sentiment, not just a feeling . . . love works; it acts; it does things; and the chief thing it does is to edify, build up, cause growth in each of the persons who engage in it and who are engaged by it . . . love restores, love encourages, and love makes whole." [3]

 

What superstitions are common among people you know? What superstitions do you have?

What foods did you refuse to eat growing up?

What contemporary example could be used to illustrate the problem Paul addresses in this chapter?

What is the one thing/behavior/practice can you do that would demonstrate loving service or concern to another person?

 

block #1 - describe some know-it-all or know-it-all scenarios (e.g. coming home from college after an entire half semester of philosophy under the belt.)

block #2 - portray the tension between knowledge and love that Paul contrasts in chapter 8;

block #3 - qualify knowledge-right and wrong knowledge; right knowledge leads to loving service not status or pride and arrogance

block #4 - provide examples of what knowledge working through love might look like

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[1] Gordon Fee, Word Biblical Commentary Series: First Epistle to the Corinthians (Wm. Eerdmans, 1987), p. 367.
[2] Ibid., page 369.
[3] New Interpreter’s Bible X (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), page 898.