DAILY TEXT, Thursday, July 2, 2026. Regarding eating food that has been offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world (1 Cor. 8:4).

Let us examine the Scriptures every day 2026

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Regarding eating food that has been offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world (1 Cor. 8:4).

Immature Christians struggle to make good decisions when they cannot find a specific Bible rule telling them what to do. In such cases, some may think they can do whatever they want. Others may ask for a rule to be set when it is not really necessary. For example, it appears that the Christians in Corinth asked the apostle Paul to set a rule about whether they could eat food that had been offered to idols. Instead of telling them what to do, Paul explained that each person has “the right to choose” according to his conscience. He mentioned several Bible principles that would help them make a decision that would give them peace of mind and not cause anyone else to stumble (1 Cor. 8:7-9). In this way, he was teaching them to mature so that they would use their discernment rather than relying on others or searching for rules. w24.04 5 par. 14

How did Paul help the Hebrew Christians continue to grow spiritually?

We find another valuable lesson in the words Paul wrote to the Hebrew Christians. Some had stopped growing spiritually, and so he told them: “You need milk again instead of solid food.” (Heb. 5:12) They had not kept up with the new things Jehovah was teaching them through the congregation. (Prov. 4:18)

For example, many Jewish Christians continued to insist on obedience to the Law of Moses even though some 30 years had passed since Christ’s sacrifice had abolished it (Rom. 10:4; Titus 1:10). They had certainly had ample time to assimilate the change. Therefore, Paul wanted to help them accept the profound truths he was teaching them in that inspired letter. This solid spiritual food was just what those Christians needed to understand that the new way of worshiping Jehovah was far better and to be courageous in continuing to preach despite Jewish opposition (Heb. 10:19-23).

Besides reaching maturity, what else should we do?

We must strive not only to reach maturity, but also to maintain it. So we must not become complacent (1 Cor. 10:12). It is very important that we constantly examine ourselves to make sure that we are still progressing (2 Cor. 13:5).

What does the Letter to the Colossians teach us about Christian maturity?

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul also speaks of the importance of reaching maturity and not losing it. Although those Christians were already mature, he told them to be very careful not to be deceived by the world’s ideas (Col. 2:6-10). And Epaphras, who undoubtedly knew them very well, always prayed that they would remain “firm as complete people” or “mature” (Col. 4:12, footnote). What does this teach us? That both Paul and Epaphras knew very well that maintaining maturity requires effort and Jehovah’s help. They wanted the Colossians to remain mature Christians despite the difficulties they faced.

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