week 8 day 2

Read 1 Corinthians 10- 11:1

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010-11.1&version=NIV

10:1–4 Here Paul set forth the example of the Israelites who, although greatly privileged (10:1–4), through lack of self-restraint (10:6–10) died in the wilderness, being disqualified (cf. 9:27) from entrance into the Promised Land. Paul used Israel’s experiences as an example that the Corinthians would be wise to heed. Paul was making it clear that being a member of God’s community did not insure against disqualification.

Paul singled out the key factors of baptism (10:2) and the Lord’s Table (10:3–4) as signs of membership in God’s community. The Israelites were identified and united with Moses (“baptized in the cloud and the sea,” 10:2) by the crossing of the Red Sea. The rock that provided water (10:4) for the people in the wilderness was really a manifestation of Christ’s presence. Paul did not believe the legend that a material rock rolled along after the tribes, sending forth springs of water whenever the march stopped. Rather, Christ, the supplier of the water, was with them all along the way.

10:6–10 Israel’s experience in the wilderness provided an example for the Corinthians. Drawing upon the Old Testament illustration, Paul warned the Corinthians to beware of lust (10:6; Num. 11:4), idolatry (10:7; Num. 25), immorality (10:8; Num. 25), testing God (10:9; Num. 21:4–6), and grumbling (10:10; Num. 16:41–50). First Corinthians 10:7 gets Old Testament support due to the special Corinthian problems with temples, idols, meat, and the Lord’s Supper of 1 Corinthians 11. The list of problems drawn from Israel’s history was a perfect match to the problems at Corinth.

10:11–13 After outlining the sins problematic to both Old Testament Israel and the Corinthian church, Paul assured the Corinthians of God’s faithfulness to give initial endurance and a path of escape from falling into sin (10:13). God in his faithfulness always arranges a way of escape from temptation (lit., “a way out”) and before that, gives strength to endure it.

10:14–22 Paul linked the Corinthian idolatry problem to the other temptations of 10:13. He set forth specific applications of Christian liberty to the issues facing the Corinthians. Partaking in a religious feast meant fellowshipping with the one worshiped at that feast (10:14–22). Since fellowship with God and with demons is incompatible (10:20), believers must not participate at pagan feasts. Pagan religious feasts are regarded as “the table of demons” (10:21).

10:23–11:1 Paul put forth his central point in 10:23. He advised that believers may eat meat sold in the marketplace without asking questions that might perplex one’s conscience. He appealed to Psalms 24:1 and 50:12 for support. As for eating meat in the home of an unbeliever, Paul advised that the believer not ask questions and just enjoy the meal (10:27–30). But if a fellow guest should inform the believer that the meat has been offered to idols, then he should abstain for the sake of the other man’s conscience. Liberty to eat the meat was not in question—edifying other Christians was. Christian liberty must always be subordinate to God’s glory and the spread of his gospel (10:31).

Discussion question

How can the statements and promises of verse 13 help us to stand firm under temptations?

Reflection question

Is there anything you do that does not bother your conscience but might bother the conscience of someone else?