Paul has stated clearly that to participate with idols in any way is to participate with demons. Nobody can continue to participate with Christ while also participating with demons (1 Corinthians 10:14–21). Now Paul asks two questions that show why.

Paul's question bluntly asks if we want to make the Lord jealous. The idea that God is "jealous" for the loyalty of His people runs throughout the Bible. In the context of a being who is truly perfect, holy, and the Creator, that's an entirely justified attitude. So, God does not overlook the worship of any other deity. Paul wants to remind the Corinthians of this truth and to warn them. God will act on His jealousy if He is provoked, just as He did with the Israelites in the wilderness.

Next Paul asks if we are stronger than God. Notice that Paul includes himself in these questions. He acknowledges his own vulnerability before God. He has written earlier that he must continue to keep himself under control in order not to be disqualified from his ministry (1 Corinthians 9:24–26).

The obvious answer to the second question is also no. None of us are stronger than God. If He decides to discipline us for involvement with false idols, there will be no stopping Him. It's far better to keep our distance from any amount of involvement with idols.

First Corinthians 10:14–22 describes why it is essential to run away from idol worship of any kind. Participating in communion by taking in the representations of Christ's body and blood brings us into participation with Him. To be involved with idolatry causes people to participate with demons. Nobody can remain in participation both with Christ and demons. Paul uses questions to warn the Corinthians about stirring up the Lord's jealousy in this way. He is stronger than us and willing to act when betrayed.

Idol worship is an extremely serious sin. Paul reminds the Christians in idol-saturated Corinth of that by referring to the history of the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness. Though blessed by God, they worshiped false idols. God killed many of them for it. Paul commands his readers to flee from idol worship. To participate with idol worship in any way is to participate with demons. God always provides some way to avoid sin. So, they must avoid giving anyone the idea that they approve of idol worship, even by knowingly eating food offered to idols. Their first question must always be, ''Will this glorify God?''

The previous chapter concluded with Paul's commitment to continue to control himself. He exercises discipline so he does not become ineffective in his ministry. He begins chapter 10 by reminding the Corinthians of how the Israelites brought consequences on themselves in the wilderness. Among their many sins was worshiping idols, and God killed many of them for it. The Corinthians must flee idol worship and any appearance of supporting the demonic practice. They are free to eat meat if they don't know that it is idol food. However, they should be ready to set aside their own freedoms and rights whenever doing so will glorify God and win others to Christ.

First Corinthians is one of the more practical books of the New Testament. Paul writes to a church immersed in a city associated with trade, but also with corruption and immorality. These believers are struggling to properly apply spiritual gifts and to resist the ungodly practices of the surrounding culture. Paul's letter gives instructions for real-life concerns such as marriage and spirituality. He also deals with the importance of unity and gives one of the Bible's more well-known descriptions of love in chapter 13.

Accessed 5/4/2024 4:14:51 AM

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