How can acknowledging "many gods" affect our witness to non-believers? Setting the Context “For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords’)…” 1 Corinthians 8:5 What Paul Means by “Many gods” • Paul acknowledges the existence of countless idols worshiped by people in every culture. • He is not granting them true divinity; he is recognizing the reality that people serve them as if they were divine. • This observation sets up his next statement: “yet for us there is one God, the Father… and one Lord, Jesus Christ” (v. 6). Why This Matters in Our Witness • Clarity about the One True God – If we speak of “gods” without immediately affirming the uniqueness of the LORD, listeners may assume all deities are equally valid. • Undermining Gospel Exclusivity – John 14:6 reminds us only Christ saves; equating Him with other gods blurs that exclusivity. • Guarding Against Syncretism – Mixing the biblical faith with local deities (2 Kings 17:33) compromises our message and confuses seekers. • Protecting Consciences – Romans 14:14-23 shows how unclear teaching can wound weaker consciences; ambiguity about “many gods” can do the same to new believers. Practical Ways to Speak Clearly 1. Define terms immediately. When culture mentions “gods,” respond: • “Yes, people worship many things, but Scripture shows only one true God who created all.” 2. Highlight God’s uniqueness. Isaiah 45:5: “I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides Me there is no God.” 3. Contrast idols with the living God. Psalm 115:4-8 portrays idols as powerless; use such passages to show the difference. 4. Center conversations on Christ’s resurrection (Acts 17:31). No other “god” offers historical, bodily resurrection proof. 5. Share personal testimony of God’s power, illustrating the superiority of the gospel to lifeless idols. Scriptures That Reinforce Our Message • Deuteronomy 6:4 — “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!” • Jeremiah 10:10 — “But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King.” • 1 John 5:21 — “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” • 1 Thessalonians 1:9 — The Thessalonians “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” Key Takeaways • Recognize that people worship many “gods,” but never grant them legitimacy. • Reaffirm at every turn that there is only one Creator and only one Savior. • Speak with loving clarity so seekers understand they must turn from idols to the living God. |
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