1 Cor 8-11 Rules for worship

8:1-13

Idols  are nothing - there is no God, but one.
Not everyone knows this.  Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food, the think it has been sacrificed to idols and therefore defiled.  Food does not bring us to God, so we are no better/worse if we do/don't.

Don't let your freedom become a stumbling-block for others.  If what you eat will cause others to stumble, don't do it - don't cause them to fail!

9:1-27

We are free, we may have skills/abilities and privileges.  We have the right to basic necessities of life eg: food & drink.  We could take our wife along with us in ministry.  Those who work deserve pay/privilege.

We don't use this right - we put with anything so as not to hinder the gospel.  Those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

But, there are going to be times where we don't use these rights.  We are free and at times, make ourselves slaves to win others to Christ.

10:1-13

Just because God is at work in us does not mean that we will be free from temptation.  The inevitability of temptation is no cause for despair, as God will always provide a way out of the temptation so that we can stand up under it.

10:14-30

When we don't know what has happened to food beforehand, we don't need to find the details out.  However, when we know that the food has been offered in sacrifice, we should steer clear of it for the sake of others' consciences.

Do EVERYTHING for the glory of God.

11:2-34

Paul insists Corinthian women should be veiled in public because they are under the headship of men, who are under the headship of Christ, who is under the headship of God.

11:23-26

The central significance of the Lord's Supper is that it proclaims the Lord's death until He comes.  Don't eat/drink it unworthily - recognise what it is & take so with seriousness and solemnity.  We need to recognise what it is & come before God in care, not doing so without forethought.