It's not that the man-made idols themselves have any power, Paul continues, but demons lurking behind them do. This echoes the reaction of Joseph who literally bolted from a woman attempting to seduce him (Genesis 39:7–12). In more literal terms, they ought to separate themselves completely from anything even close to idol worship. With that in mind, Paul tells them to run away from idolatry. There is always a means to avoid sin by some form of "escape" (1 Corinthians 10:11–13). Thankfully, God never allows people to face temptation they cannot possibly overcome. And yet, they may not have recognized how closely their daily practices brought them to participating in it again. As Christians, they knew to stop worshiping idols. Idolatry was an everyday experience in their upbringing. Like the Israelites who came out of Egypt, the Corinthians were also raised in a culture that normalized the worship of false gods. Failing to do so would risk them falling, as well, at the hand of God on account of idolatry. These examples should cause the Corinthians to pay attention. Paul summarizes these corporate sins and God's extensive judgment of His people in His wrath (1 Corinthians 10:7–10). What did they do to earn that level of condemnation? Primarily, they betrayed their relationship with God by worshiping false idols. Paul writes that God was not pleased with most of them and killed many of them (1 Corinthians 10:1–6). Despite all of that, they were unfaithful to God. In a sense, they were "baptized" into Moses as their head and given spiritual food-manna-and supernaturally-provided water, both symbolic of Christ. He led them by a pillar of cloud, and through the parted waters of the Red Sea. The rescued Israelites received significant blessings from the Lord. That same generation died in the wilderness over the next 40 years. Paul begins by making a connection between the Corinthians and the generation of Israelites that escaped from Egypt in the Exodus. While the specific topic is idolatry in ancient Corinth, the principles given here are important for all believers as we navigate our Christian liberty. When it comes to associating with idols, there are no "safe" ways. These comments continue his teaching from the prior chapter, where he pointed out his own practice of setting aside his "rights" in favor of what was best for others. 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.ĭid the Christians in Corinth believe that God would not respond if they dabbled in idol worship? Paul's warnings in this chapter suggest some of them might have believed that. 28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: 29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. 14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.Ģ3 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
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