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Paul looks back to Israel’s story in the wilderness to warn the Corinthians—and us—about the danger of presumption. Israel experienced amazing spiritual privileges: they passed through the sea, were “baptized into Moses,” and received spiritual food and water from Christ, the true “Rock” who was with them (vv. 1–4). Yet “God was not pleased with most of them,” and they fell under judgment for idolatry, sexual immorality, testing the Lord, and grumbling (vv. 5–10). These events “took place as examples for us” so that we will not desire evil as they did (vv. 6, 11). So Paul warns, “Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” and reminds us that God is faithful—He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear but will always provide a way of escape so that we can endure (vv. 12–13).
From that warning, Paul goes straight to the heart of the issue in Corinth: idolatry. Believers must “flee from idolatry” because we belong to Jesus and share in His death and life through the Lord’s Supper (vv. 14–17). To eat and drink at the Lord’s Table is to participate in Christ and in His people; to join idol feasts is to fellowship with demons behind false worship (vv. 18–21). We cannot “drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons” at the same time (v. 21). God is a jealous God who alone deserves our worship, so we dare not treat idol practices or spiritual compromise as harmless (v. 22; Ex. 20:4–5).
Finally, Paul applies gospel-shaped wisdom to everyday choices about food and conscience. “All things are lawful,” some claimed, but Paul reminds them that not everything is helpful or builds others up (v. 23). Believers are free to eat meat from the market without asking endless questions, because “the earth is the Lord’s” (vv. 25–26). Even when dining in an unbeliever’s home, we can eat what is served—unless someone points out that it has been offered to idols; then, for the sake of that person’s conscience, we should refrain (vv. 27–29). The guiding principle is simple but searching: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God,” seeking not our own advantage but the good of others, “that they may be saved” (vv. 31–33).
🌀 Reflection:
Where are you tempted to assume you’re “standing strong” and lower your guard—maybe with your habits, entertainment, relationships, or use of freedom? Ask the Lord to show you any areas of quiet compromise and to help you choose the “way of escape” He provides so that your life points away from idols and toward Jesus.
💬 Mission Challenge:
Choose one ordinary activity today—like a meal, a conversation, or a small decision—and intentionally aim to do it “to the glory of God” (v. 31). Ask, “How can I do this in a way that honors Christ and helps someone else move closer to Him?” Then act on it.
Click here to return to the contents page for Phase 2.2 — The Savior, His Church, and the Mission.
Just Keith Harris 
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