A Bad Example: Israel's Apostasy
1 Corinthians 10, verse 1. Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 1 Corinthians 10, verse 2. all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 1 Corinthians 10, verse 3. all ate the same spiritual food, 1 Corinthians 10, verse 4. and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 10, verse 5. But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 1 Corinthians 10, verse 6. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 1 Corinthians 10, verse 7. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 1 Corinthians 10, verse 8. Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 1 Corinthians 10, verse 9. nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 1 Corinthians 10, verse 10. nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 1 Corinthians 10, verse 11. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Corinthians 10, verse 12. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10, verse 13. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Worship Is Sacramental
1 Corinthians 10, verse 14. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 1 Corinthians 10, verse 15. I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. 1 Corinthians 10, verse 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? 1 Corinthians 10, verse 17. For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread. 1 Corinthians 10, verse 18. Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? 1 Corinthians 10, verse 19. What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? 1 Corinthians 10, verse 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, verse 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. 1 Corinthians 10, verse 22. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?
Offend No Man, Glorify God
1 Corinthians 10, verse 23. All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 1 Corinthians 10, verse 24. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being. 1 Corinthians 10, verse 25. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; 1 Corinthians 10, verse 26. for “the earth is the Lord ’s, and all its fullness.” 1 Corinthians 10, verse 27. If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. 1 Corinthians 10, verse 28. But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for “the earth is the Lord ’s, and all its fullness.” 1 Corinthians 10, verse 29. “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience? 1 Corinthians 10, verse 30. But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks? 1 Corinthians 10, verse 31. Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10, verse 32. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 1 Corinthians 10, verse 33. just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.