The Cup of Demons
—1Corinthians 10
In the previous lesson, Paul compared the Corinthian church to the idolatrous “church” of Moses in the wilderness. He then followed that comparison with instructions about idolatry. In this lesson, we look closely at those instructions in 1Corinthians 10:13–33. You may find a significant surprise in this passage.
1 ENDURE TEMPTATION
1Cor 10: Verses 13-15
Paul began with a deeply encouraging statement about temptation (1Corinthians 10:13). He spoke of temptations commonly experienced, and he especially had in mind the temptation to participate in idolatry.
Paul assured the Corinthians that God is faithful. He will not allow his people to be tempted beyond what they can bear. Instead, God provides a way of escape —not necessarily escape from the situation, but escape from sinning so that the trial can be endured faithfully. On that basis, Paul urged the Christians at Corinth to “flee idolatry” and take the path God provides.
2 BE ONE FELLOWSHIP
1Cor 10: Verses 16-18
Paul’s next instruction highlighted the strength found in communion and fellowship. There is power in being joined together as one. You might bend several iron bars one at a time, but bind them tightly together and they become unbendable because they are well united.
Paul pointed to the Lord’s Supper as a declaration of fellowship and union in Christ. Although there were many members, they all belonged to one body. Although there were many portions of the fruit of the vine, they all represented and promoted a sharing of the blessings of Christ’s blood. Although there were many portions of the unleavened bread, they all represented and promoted a sharing of the blessings of Christ’s fleshly body.
Paul added another illustration. Those who ate the sacrifices in the Jewish temple were partakers of the altar, and their eating was an act of participation in the worship associated with that altar.
Paul’s point was clear. If the Christians in Corinth ate food they knew had been offered to idols, they could be accused of participating in the worship connected with those idols, and having fellowship with them instead of exclusive fellowship with the Lord.
3 REFUSE THE CUP OF DEMONS
1Cor 10: Verses 19-22
Paul wasn't suggesting that idols were real gods. However Paul taught that behind idols there lurked a darker spiritual reality. He knew that the idols themselves were carved by human hands from wood and stone. There was no divine being associated with them. Idols were fake and were to be treated as nothing.
Some in the church at Corinth felt free to eat things sacrificed to idols —because an idol was nothing. However, demons had apparently taken it upon themselves to accept the worship of idols as though they were the very gods being honoured.
So Paul said something that was surprising. The things that the Gentiles sacrificed, they sacrificed to demons and not to God. Idols were nothing, but the demons impersonating the idols were real.
Paul wrote, "I don't want you to have fellowship with demons. You can't drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You can't partake of the Lord’s table and the table of demons." Paul then asked whether the Corinthians were stronger than God. Of course they were not. But if they had two fellowships they were not strong at all. —because the two fellowships were utterly opposed.
4 KEEP YOUR OWN CONSCIENCE
1Cor 10: Verses 23-30
Paul next recalled what Jesus had declared, that all foods are clean (Mark 7:19). Paul affirmed this, but added an important qualification. Eating food offered to idols may be lawful, but it is not helpful. The food itself is not unclean, but Christians may abstain from it to avoid causing offence to another believer’s conscience.
Paul explained that it was neither necessary nor wise to ask questions about food sold in the market or served at a meal. It is better not to raise the issue of idol sacrifices. Eat what is set before you and do not ask about it. However, if someone else raises the issue, “This has been offered to idols”, then the food should not be eaten. In this way, everyone’s conscience remains clear. All food belongs to the Lord, but he does not want it eaten in a way that violates anyone’s conscience.
If a person’s conscience is properly informed, he must avoid being ruled by someone else’s conclusions. His liberty and thanksgiving should not be judged by another’s conscience. If his liberty is to be limited, it should be by his own agreement with the Lord, not by pressure from others.
5 SEEK OTHERS’ PROFIT
1Cor 10: Verses 31-33
Paul concluded by saying that whatever Christians do, even in something as ordinary as eating and drinking, they should aim to glorify God. At the same time, they should seek to avoid giving offence to others.
Paul wrote, "I please all men in all things. I do not seek my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." His example called Christians to use their freedom not for self-interest, but for the good of others, so that more people may come to salvation.