Bible Reading Challenge #25
1 Corinthians 10:16-22
16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?
If you’ve been following along in our series, it may seem that Paul is contradicting himself here in 10:20–22. Only two chapters earlier, Paul said that idols are nothing at all and that we are free to eat food sacrificed to idols. Here, however, Paul is addressing something different: he is denouncing the practice of sacrificing to idols.
Did you catch the difference? If you buy something at the market that has been sacrificed to an idol, it is of no consequence. But for a Christian to be actively making sacrifices to “no gods at all” is sinful. The real issue is your active participation in the worship of other gods.
In our day, we may not be tempted by ancient deities, but we are still tempted to worship idols of various kinds. Idolatry is giving our worship to anything other than God. You may not see yourself bowing down to something, but think instead about your priorities.
Is your job an idol? Do you serve it at the expense of God, your family, or your peace? Is it the main identity you wear?
Is your happiness an idol? Do you chase a positive mood or pleasure so much that you ignore God’s commands in order to laugh, enjoy, or feel good?
Is a hobby an idol? Does a sports team, extracurricular activity, or role in an organization compete—and often win—for your most valuable free time?
An idol is anything we place before God.
So, honestly (leave your church answers out!): What are you placing before God?
That is your idol.
Don’t bow down to it while ignoring the living God.
