1 Corinthians 10
-Paul offers some stern and serious warnings for purity unto
God without any hint of idolatry. He emphasizes their oneness in Christ
comparing it to the nation of Israel as they were under the cloud and passed
through the sea as one unified congregation. They all ate the same spiritual
food and drank of the same spiritual drink from the same spiritual Rock, which
was Christ Jesus (looking forward to the Promise of Him, 1 Corinthians 10:3).
This sets up his entire thought process with which he ends with the idea that
“whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1
Corinthians 10:31).” The problem was that the Corinthians, like the children of
Israel, were displeasing the LORD in their desire for doing evil and would
incur the wrath of God if there was not a turning back to Him even though they
were His beloved children. The summation is this, “Therefore let anyone who
thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).” Paul then
assures them that what they are being tempted with is not beyond their ability
to overcome through the power of His presence in their lives. God always
provides a way of escape during temptation (or distress, trial, tribulation),
that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). *Application* This is
a promise we will need to cling to often in our Christian walk. Though the
journey is never easy as a saint, it is possible when we crucify our flesh as
Jesus commanded, take up our cross daily, and follow Him (Matthew 10:38, Luke
9:23). What we find is joy in the offering and abundant life in Christ through
His resurrection power and Spirit that indwells and controls us (John 10:10,
Romans 15:13, 2 Corinthians 7:4).
-Paul makes sure he is explicit in his warning for them to
flee from idolatry. The cup of blessing, which is in the union with Christ and
His body, should exclude from participation with demons or demonic activity (1
Corinthians 10:14-21). Such a defiant attitude will provoke the LORD to
jealousy out of His intense love for His children and He will act in His
superior strength (1 Corinthians 10:22). *Application* Just as the Corinthians
needed to heed the proper warning of the apostle, so should we. We find
ourselves at times compromising with the world and its lusts, which can take us
far from God and His good pleasure with us. We must not grieve or quench His
Spirit by our attitudes, thoughts, words, and actions. Stay away from even the
appearance (form, sight) of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). In other words, run to
God and away from Satan (1 Timothy 6:9-11, James 4:7).
-Paul now comes back to the point of being a good influence
on your neighbor and not causing any offense or reason for stumbling,
particularly in the area of meat which has been offered to idols which he had
discussed in the previous two chapters (1 Corinthians 8 & 9). He gives some
good practical advice for how to handle these situations for the purpose of
helping unbelievers come to Christ with saving faith. *Application* We must
always be careful not to cause offense, especially with our unbelieving
friends. They, weather it is right or not, will hold us to certain standards of
conduct as they become aware that we are believers in Jesus Christ and His
Word. Our conduct around them is important because they are looking for
hypocrisy and any chance to deny the faith that we know is so real and true.
Notice the tests of conscience your unbelieving friends will put you through
and respond with Paul’s Holy Spirit filled antidotes for proper Christian
responses. Apply his principles to your own life situations and God will give you
favor.
Verses to Memorize- 1
Corinthians 10:12-13, 31
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