Paul used examples from the old testament when God placed His wrath on those who gave in to temptation thereby preventing them from reaching their goal in this life, and possibly fell short of the gates of heaven where only the righteous belong.
“14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say.” (1 Corinthians 10:14-15)
Paul reminds the Corinthians to refrain from worshiping idols, addressing the issue as one of their own teachers. The apostle’s intent here is to warn believers of the great power bestowed on the enemy by the weaknesses in all all of us. As we rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance, those in Christ resist temptation and in turn, as iron sharpens iron, believers are empowered to strengthen others through prayer, counseling and accountability.
“16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.” (1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
Using last supper analogy Paul reminds those in Corinth the church, through spread throughout the world is one body, the body of Christ united by faith. By partaking in the Lord’s supper believers benefit from the power of communion, a binding symbol by which the blood and body of Jesus is spread among disciples, among God’s children that make up His church.
“18 Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? 19 What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything?” (1 Corinthians 10:18-19)
Using the unspiritual Jews as examples, who shared in their offering to God, Paul declares eating food given to idols as a form of worship. The apostle already has labeled idols as having no meaning, by sharing in food offered to idols a believer symbolically gives meaning to idols thereby taking away from worshiping God.
“20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.” (1 Corinthians 10:20)
Calling on believers to be selective as to our association with pagans, Paul describes their type of worship as demonic, in contradiction with the Law of Christ which is based on love. Christians should not worship with pagans, instead we should use each opportunity as one driven by purpose during which we are called to advance the gospel and convert non-believers. We should do this to give glory to God as we fulfill His perfect plan.
“21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?” (1 Corinthians 10:21-22)
Calling on believers to eliminate any association with pagan worship, Paul warns believers in Corinth of the price they will pay if they provoke God and invite His wrath in their lives. Just as Christians cannot worship two gods, the Corinthians should wisely choose who they serve so to reap the eternal rewards that come along with faith in Jesus Christ.
In these verses Paul tells us to flee from idolatry which separates us from God. The apostle also calls on believers to choose our friends wisely and surround ourselves with other Christians with whom we are better equipped to fulfill our mission according to God’s perfect plan. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
