1 Corinthians 10:14-22
Q.1. Why should we flee from idolatry? What is the message of communion? How should we understand the emblems of the Blood and Bread? – (1 Cor.10:14-17)
We should flee from idolatry, because Paul has demonstrated how often God’s people have drifted from God through idols. Here Paul drew attention to the unity that came through the Gospel. Communion should therefore unify the many members of the Body of Christ (1 Cor.10:17). He asked – Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? (1 Cor.10:16). Christ intended for His broken body and shed blood to bring harmony and blessing. This should be the flow-on effect of our Communion.
Q.2. In what context did Paul speak about Israel? Why should we avoid sacrifices made to idols? How does this principle apply to us today? – (1 Cor.10:18-22)
Though Paul was clear that the idols of men are worthless, nevertheless he reminded the Corinthians that the sacrificial system, in which the nation of Israel partook, made them one with all it represented (c.f. 1 Cor.10:18-19). Therefore, he argued – You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons (1 Cor.10:21). He reasoned – … that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons (1 Cor.10:20). There are worldly practices that the believer needs to avoid, lest – we provoke the Lord to jealousy. We are not stronger than He, are we? (1 Cor.10:22). Paul gave a directive for us to draw the line which will keep us separate from the ungodly practices of our culture.