1 Corinthians 10:1—11:1: Eating with Christ
SHOULD CHRISTIANS GO to R-rated movies—or any movies, for that matter? Should they drink alcoholic beverages such as beer or wine? Should they wear expensive clothes, makeup and jewelry? Debates over such "questionable" practices are as old as the church. How can we resolve them?
The Corinthians were divided over such issues. Some had overscrupulous consciences. They would not sit down to a meal if the meat had been purchased at a pagan meat market (and therefore offered to a "god"). Others were so "liberated" that they could eat the Lord's Supper and then commit sexual immorality. These liberated Christians regarded baptism and the Eucharist (Communion) as automatic protection against God's judgment. In 1 Corinthians 10 Paul finds a way of reaching both kinds of people: he calls them and us to do everything for the glory of God.
Warming Up to God
What "questionable" practices have you wrestled with personally?
Read 1 Corinthians 10:1—11:1. »
Discovering the Word
- What experiences did all the Israelites have in common when they left Egypt and headed for the Promised Land (vv. 1-10)?
- Why does Paul remind the Corinthians (and us) of these events (vv. 11-13)?
- Why are some lifestyles incompatible with celebrating the Lord's Supper (vv. 14-22)?
- According to verses 23-33, what principles should guide our behavior as Christians?
- How does Paul apply these principles to the subject of eating meat offered to idols?
Applying the Word
- Think of one or two areas where you are currently experiencing temptation. In which one of these are you least likely to believe that there is a way of escape?
- In what way has God provided an escape for your temptation?
- How can the principles discussed in this passage guide your behavior in areas that might be "permissible" but not beneficial?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to give you courage to flee temptation.
For Further Study
Temptation by Tom L. Eisenman