[:en]WARNINGS FROM ISRAEL’S HISTORY (vs. 1-13_
Paul reminded the believers that God was not pleased with the people of Israelite because they commited the following sins:
- Idolatry – they made a gold calf and worshiped it in the wilderness (Exo. 32). Later, the Israelites also worshiped Baal of Peor (Num. 25:1-9)
- Sexual immorality – The Israelites engaged in sexual immorality.
- Grumbling – The Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron that they had killed the Lord’s people with the plague (Num. 16:41)
Paul cautioned them to remember the lesson of the Israelites so that they won’t be repeating the same mistakes.
Temptation is everywhere. But God wil show you a way out. He can help you recognize those people and situation that gave you trouble. He can help you see from what is wrong and choose what is right. So when you are tempted, pray for God’s help and seek friends who love God and who can offer you guidance.
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up unds er it? (v. 13)
IDOL FEASTS AND THE LORD’S SUPER (vs. 14-22)
Idol worship was popular in Corinth. They put trust in status of work and security. Today, modern idols are power, pleasure, prestige and wealth. Putting our trust in anything but God is idolatry. The people of Israel ate the sacrifices offered to an idol. So Paul was telling them that sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons. So they must not eat them and become participants with the demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.
As followers of Christ, we must give Him our total allegiance. We cannot have a part both “the cup of the Lord” and “the cup of demons”. Eating at the Lord’s table was consuming with Christ and identifying with His death. Drinking from the cup of demons means identifying with Satan by worships and promoting evil activities. We cannot do both at the same time.
THE BELIEVEER’S FREEDOM (vs. 23-33)
“Everything is permissbile” – but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible” – but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others” (vs. 23-24)
Christians are free to do actions that are not wrong. But they may not be at the best interest of others. When we exercise our freedom, it must not be exercised at the cost of hurting a Christian brother or sister. We are not only to consider ourselves but to be sensitive to others.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (v. 25). We are to enjoy everything that He has given us. In everything we do, it must be done for the glory of God. Even with our eating and drinking, we should do what is best for others and not cause another believer to stumble. However, Christians should be careful not to have oversensitive conscience. Christians can exercise the freedom in matters not expressly forbidden by the Scripture. Let us do what pleases God.
Summary:
- Be sensitive to what others feel in our action
- Do not become oversensitive and do nothing for fear of displeasing someone.
- Do not be a “yes” person by compromising with others to gain approval for people and not for God.
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