Dear Bible Study Partners,
We are entering the final section of Paul’s three part instruction concerning conscience and liberty, concerning eating meat offered to idols, and how it could affect the weaker brother. We must always remember the admonition of Galatians 5:1 & 13: Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
As Paul opens this last section, he addresses the weaker believers, stating that he does not want them to be ignorant concerning some basic doctrinal truths. We briefly examined all of the “I would not have you ignorant” scriptures, and how Paul delivers truth using this statement.
Romans 1:13: Paul desired to go to Rome and to fulfill the Great Commission, by bearing fruit that remained in Rome.
Romans 11:25: Paul dealt with the mystery of Israel’s blindness, and when it would be removed — Matthew 24:15
1 Corinthians 10:1: The picture of Israel going through the Red Sea is a picture of New Testament baptism.
1 Corinthians 12:1: Paul wanted to make sure there was no confusion concerning spiritual gifts.
2 Corinthians 1:8: Paul’s honesty concerning his own emotional, physical, and spiritual struggles while on his mission journeys.
1 Thessalonians 4:13: Paul gave the greatest comfort to a church going through incredible tribulation, concerning their loved ones who had died at the hands of a cruel Roman government.
All of these scriptures that begin with “I would not have you ignorant” are worthy of our study, because great truth is revealed through them. We will continue our study of the doctrinal truths given through the pictures of baptism, manna, and water from the Rock in our next study.