1 Corinthians 10:14-22 (WEL) Therefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 Since I am speaking to those who are wise, judge what I say. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, isn’t it, fellowship in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, isn’t it fellowship in the body of Christ? 17 For we who are many are one bread [and] one body, for we are all partakers of that one bread. 18 Look at Israel—according to the flesh—aren’t those who eat from the sacrifices, partakers of the altar sacrifices? 19 So what am I saying that the idol is something or that which is offered to idols is something? 20 Just the opposite, the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, not to God. I don’t want you to have fellowship with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot be sharers in the Lord’s Table and the table of demons. 22 Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy, or are we stronger than he is?
V14 Therefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
We must have nothing to do with worshiping anything or anyone other than the God of the Bible. See Deuteronomy 7:25 and 2 Kings 23:24. It could be money (Matthew 6:24), fame, any person, oneself, sports, politics, statues, power, etc. See Deuteronomy 18:9-13.
The penalty for worshiping idols is death (Deuteronomy 13:6-10). Death is separation. If a believer does worship an idol, they will be convicted by the Holy Spirit and repent.
While one seeks guidance from idols and bows down to them, spiritual fellowship with God is limited. If persisted, then chastening (Hebrews 12:4-11).
Physical death is the separation of soul/spirit from the physical body. Compare Luke 23:43 and 2 Corinthians 5:6.
Spiritual death is the separation from God. Revelation 20:14. Death is not a cessation.
V15 Since I am speaking to those who are wise, judge what I say.
We are to judge all things against a standard (John 12:48 and Romans 2:16). In Paul’s day, before the written Bible, they had the Apostle’s teaching as the standard. Now we have the New Testament. Wise people know the Christian faith (from the Apostle’s teachings), understand the Christian faith, and live it. Paul asks the question in verse 16.
V16 The cup of blessing which we bless, isn’t it, fellowship in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, isn’t it fellowship in the body of Christ?
This refers to remembering the ministry of Jesus on the cross, namely, the Lord’s Supper. See Luke 22:17-20. Compare Ephesians 3:6, Philippians 1:5, and Ephesians 4:15-16. The church (believers) is the body of Christ. We are one with Him. Our fellowship with each other strengthens the bonds of faith.
V17 For we who are many are one bread [and] one body, for we are all partakers of that one bread.
This is the unity of all believers in Jesus into one body. This is a corporate idea of the church.
V18 Look at Israel—according to the flesh—aren’t those who eat from the sacrifices, partakers of the altar sacrifices?
This is the priests of Israel.
V19 So what am I saying that the idol is something or that which is offered to idols is something?
An offering to an idol means nothing, because it is a piece of wood, ceramic, stone, etc. It is nothing but a cold, dead statue.
V20 Just the opposite, the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, not to God. I don’t want you to have fellowship with demons.
Behind every idol is a demon. Worship an idol, then you are having fellowship with demons. The devil receives some type of glory when people worship anything but YHWH.
(Know the Word Study Bible Notes) “While the idols themselves are worthless, powerless, and certainly not gods, behind the statues and images is the very real evil and power of Satan and his demons. Anytime that worship is being directed at something that is not God, we can be sure that Satan is behind it.”
V21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot be sharers in the Lord’s Table and the table of demons.
The bottom line is do not have anything to do with idols. Separation from the world’s way, lifestyle, rules, desires, etc. to follow God’s ways. See Colossians 1:13.
V22 Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy, or are we stronger than He is?
Provoking God to anger is a very dangerous action leading to severe consequences.
Believer’s Bible Commentary: “Not only that, it would not be possible to do this without provoking the Lord to jealousy. As William Kelly said, “Love cannot but be jealous of wandering affections, it would not be love if it did not resent unfaithfulness.” The Christian should fear to thus displease the Lord, or to provoke His righteous indignation. Do we think that we are stronger than He? That is, do we dare to grieve Him and risk an exhibition of His disciplinary judgment upon us?”
We learn:
• Not to have any type of idol.
• What bowing or offering anything to an idol is fellowship with demons.
• Worshipping anything other than the God of the Bible provokes God to jealous wrath.
Questions:
• Do you worship anything other than the God of the Bible?
• Are you aware of the consequences of such activity?