SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 10
BIBLE VERSES:
“ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 13)
““I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—” (1 Corinthians 10:”31-32)
WARNINGS FROM ISRAEL’S HISTORY (vs. 1-13)
- Do not be idolaters (v. 6)
- Do not commit sexual immorality (v. 8)
- Do not grumble (v. 10)
When faced with temptation, remember this promise of God: “And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure ist” (v. 10-13)
IDOL FEASTS AND THE LORD’S SUPPER (vs. 14-22)
Believers participated in the Lord’s supper with bread as the body of Christ and cup as his blood. The pagans make sacrifice of meat offered to demons. Therefore, believers must not eat them and become participants of the demons. We cannot be a part in God’s table and the table of demons. As followers of Christ, we must give Him total allegiance and not to follow the crowd.
THE BELIEVER’S FREEDOM (vs. 23-33)
The believers freedom does not allow us to do anything that we wish. But rather we should ask these questions: Is it beneficial? Is it constructive? Do you seek good of others instead of good for yourself?
To exercise your freedom, make this a guideline: “Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God” (v. 31). Never cause anyone to stumble but try to seek good of many so that they may be saved. Do not exercise your freedom at the cost of hindering a Christian brother or sister. Our actions must be motivated by God’s love. We must strive to develop a sincere attitude that pleases God.
THOUGHTS:
This chapter deals with meat offering to idols. While the believers have the liberty to eat and drink, Paul warned of 3 dangers with regards to the exercise of liberty:
- Danger of falling into sin (vs. 1-13) – The Israelites were over confident because they considered themselves as chosen people with spiritual advantages.. But these advantages had caused them to indulge in pagan revelry, to commit sexual immorality and to grumble. As a result, they were killed and their bodies were scattered over the desert.
- Danger of fellowshipping with demons (vs. 14-22) – It is inconsistent for a Christian to show in the Lord’s table and get involved in devil’s ceremony. The rise of Satanism is a warning to the church.
- Danger of causing fellow Christians to fall (vs. 23-33) – Christians are free but never use your privilege to cause weaker brothers to stumble. Regardless of what you do, do it for God’s glory, not to please yourself. Live to build the church and win the lost.