READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l The experience of failing is a wake-up call and Paul also warned the Corinthian church of their presumption and demanded their exclusivity.
1. A Warning about Presumption
Paul reminded the people that their ancestors (since all Christians have been grafted into the Redemption plan, they share the same ancestors – whether they were Jewish or not) did not please God and were struck down in the wilderness. All of Israel experienced salvation at God’s hand, were baptised and sustained with spiritual food and drinks, just like the Corinthians. These were what the Israelites and the Corinthians had in common. Despite these, there is no guarantee that God’s pleasure remained on them. It is important to realise that their future as God’s people is just as important as the grace that was experienced in the past. Unfortunately, the Corinthians were following the same path towards destruction as the Israelites. Paul warned the people in v7-11 not to repeat history. Do not presume that the grace given by God means He was pleased because some people were sinning against Him. God’s anger is kindled by the people’s idolatry, sexual immorality, testing God and complaining. If the people do not recognise their grumbling, it is symptomatic of their impending destruction at the hands of God. All the Israelite adults died in the wilderness, except Joshua and Caleb. v12 is a strong reminder by Paul to the people. We cannot take our Christianity for granted.
2.A Demand for Exclusivity
In v14, Paul reminded the Corinthian Christians to flee from the worship of idols – eating and drinking in the temple. Why would Christians be involved with eating and drinking food offered to idols? The central ethics to observe was to love their brothers and sisters by laying down their rights to eating what they wanted. The temple feast was an inherent social activity. Paul addressed this in v15-21 that the eating at the communion table with Christ is in fellowship with one another and with Christ. This is unity because of Christ. However, eating at the table for idols is with the spiritual power of demonic forces. This is a fundamentally incompatible practice with the Lord’s table. Three questions to ask ourselves as we deliberate whether we should be involved in certain practices (e.g.: other religious customs):
i. C.S. Lewis once wrote: “There are two equal and opposite errors into which we can fall about demons. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.” Which category do we fall into, and do we need to shift our perspective accordingly?
ii. We need honestly ask ourselves why we want to do such things – is it for self-gain? Because I like it? Because it benefits me? Because it is the way by which I gain acceptance from others? Or is it out of a genuine desire to love someone else?
iii. Does it compromise my relationship with God and his church?
Paul’s demand for exclusivity in v21 is so that the Lord’s jealousy will not be provoked. J.I. Packer shared that there are 2 types of jealousy and only 1 is a vice. “God’s jealousy is His zeal to preserve something supremely precious.” The covenant entered is to be exclusive to each other.
3.A Great Assurance
v13 assures us that God is faithful and He will not let us be tested beyond our strength. God will also provide the way out so that we can endure it. Everyone faces difficulties in their lives, but in different forms. Paul said it is not true that we cannot overcome temptation and we have to bow down to the idols in life. Although Jesus was tempted by the devil in Matthew 4, He prevailed. Jesus’ resolve never wavered. He did not presume that because He was baptised, He could put His Father to the test. He understood the exclusivity of being God’s son. Worship our God and serve only Him. We can learn from Jesus’ faithfulness and not fall into idolatry and temptation.
We may have fallen short and presume that we have God’s grace from before. However, we need God’s grace for the future, over and over again. It matters how we live. We need to understand the exclusivity that God wants us to be bound to one another and to Him. Let us look to Christ to find the strength to do all this.
(Sermon notes by Honey Vreugdewater)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-11. Paul highlights four points of sin that the Corinthians had in common with the Israelites in the wilderness. Idolatry (v7), sexual immorality (v8), putting God to the test (v9), and complaining (v10). Which of these do you find yourself to be most guilty or at risk of?
- Paul’s rhetorical juxtaposition of “all” and “some” issues a challenge to the Corinthians about the choices they must make. Though all of them are recipients of God’s goodness, they must be careful not to fall (v12) into desiring evil as the Israelites did. In what ways have we taken our Christianity for granted? Do you find yourself in danger of acting in the same way as the Israelites and Corinthians?
- The Corinthians were still participating in activities related to the worship of idols because it was socially or personally advantageous for them. Do we try and justify questionable practices simply because they work to our advantage?
- Read 1 Corinthians 10:12-13. Paul issues a strong warning (v12) but with a greater assurance – “God is faithful” (v13). The key to overcoming the temptation of idolatry is not by our own effort or ability but by trusting in God. This is what Jesus does when he is tested (see Matthew 4:1-11). In what areas of your life do you see a need to trust God more in? His provision for you? That he truly loves you? That his ways are truly the best for you?
