1 Corinthians 10 — Lessons from the Exodus
Introduction: Paul wanted the Corinthians to always give thanks for the blessings of being called by God, and to avoid being easily caught up in doing things that are displeasing or forbidden by the LORD. He used the writings of Moses for a Scriptural basis, to show the consequences of the repeated failure of the chosen children of Israel to trust the LORD who had brought them out of slavery in Egypt by miracles. As Paul presented several ways Israel had been set apart, he said the rock that provided water for them was Christ. Israel had been exposed to the Egyptian culture for many generations, and some of them held on to Godless desires. A culture like that of Corinth could likewise present many temptations to the readers of Paul’s letter.
NOTE: All Scripture is from the Bible in Basic English.
A — Israel Had Unique Blessings When Called Out of Egypt
1 Corinthians 10 “1 For it is my desire, my brothers, that you may keep in mind how all our fathers were under the cloud, and they all went through the sea; 2 And they all had baptism from Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And they all took the same holy food; 4 And the same holy drink: for they all took of the water from the holy rock which came after them: and the rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not pleased: for they came to their end in the waste land. 6 Now these things were for an example to us, so that our hearts might not go after evil things, as they did.”
Comments: Paul wanted his readers to avoid the blatant conduct Israel displayed before the LORD. Even though true belief in Christ Jesus brings freedom from the bondage of sin unto death, the many temptations of pleasures in the world can lead those who profess faith to stray from trusting and following in the ways of the LORD. Exodus 14:19–31 describes the miraculous passage through the Red Sea, with Israel walking on dry land while the Egyptian army perished. Verse 31 records that Israel saw the great work of the LORD and had faith — but that “faith” proved to be short-lived for many of the people. Isaiah 40:27–31 addresses this persistent lack of trust in the LORD, promising that those who are waiting for the LORD will have new strength and get wings like eagles.
B — Do Not Go after False Gods, or Desires Apart from God
1 Corinthians 10 “7 Then do not go after false gods, as some of them did; as it is said in the holy Writings, after resting and feasting, the people got up to take their pleasure. 8 Again, let us not give way to the desires of the flesh, as some of them did, of whom twenty-three thousand came to their end in one day. 9 And let us not put the Lord to the test, as some of them did, and came to their death by snakes. 10 And do not say evil things against the Lord, as some of them did, and destruction overtook them. 11 Now these things were done as an example; and were put down in writing for our teaching, on which the last days have come. 12 So let him who seems to himself to be safe go in fear of a fall.”
Comments: Paul used the factual example of many who suffered the wrath of God because they despised the LORD and did not remain separated from the ways of the world. Since some of the chosen people miraculously brought out of Egypt did not faithfully honor God, every person must take that wilderness lesson to heart and not trust only in being part of a group of worshippers. As Paul said, “So let him who seems to himself to be safe go in fear of a fall.” That fear must prevent confidence in personal righteousness from displacing the only true righteousness: which is received from God by His grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Exodus 24:3 records that all the people, answering with one voice, said “Whatever the Lord has said we will do” — but many did not keep that pledge, and the LORD did not ignore their disobedience.
C — God Provides a Way of Escape for Trials Common to Man
1 Corinthians 10 “13 You have been put to no test but such as is common to man: and God is true, who will not let any test come on you which you are not able to undergo; but he will make with the test a way out of it, so that you may be able to go through it. 14 For this cause, my dear brothers, give no worship to false gods… 16 The cup of blessing which we take, does it not give us a part in the blood of Christ? And is not the broken bread a taking part in the body of Christ? 17 Because we, being a number of persons, are one bread, we are one body: for we all take part in the one bread.”
Comments: Some of the extreme difficulties and trials that we face as Christians may seem extraordinary to us, but Paul said they are all common to mankind. The great encouragement for the believer is that our God is faithful and true to enable us to undergo each test, and provide a way to pass through it. Since the LORD has this prepared for those who believe, Paul said those who are wise will avoid any type of worship to false gods. When Christians share in a communion service, the cup represents the sacrifice of the life blood of Christ atoning for our sin, and the bread represents the earthly body given over to death to allow new life in the risen Christ. Therefore, all Christians are now together in one spiritual body in our Savior.
D — Eating Food Offered to an Idol Can Represent Idol Worship
1 Corinthians 10 “18 See Israel after the flesh: do not those who take as food the offerings of the altar take a part in the altar? 19 Do I say, then, that what is offered to images is anything, or that the image is anything? 20 What I say is that the things offered by the Gentiles are offered to evil spirits and not to God; and it is not my desire for you to have any part with evil spirits. 21 It is not possible for you, at the same time, to take the cup of the Lord and the cup of evil spirits; you may not take part in the table of the Lord and the table of evil spirits. 22 Or may we be the cause of envy to the Lord? Are we stronger than he?”
Comments: For many centuries while the Jews were in the Promised Land it was common for the people of God to offer animal sacrifices to the true and living God. But the followers of false religions also sacrificed to idols with detestable variations. By the time Paul wrote his letter to the Corinthians, pagan idol worship was widespread. Food offered to idols was widely available, and Paul wanted the Corinthians to have discernment about keeping a clear distinction for the ordinance of communion. Paul said when Gentiles offer to idols they are actually giving honor to evil spirits and not to God. Christians cannot take part in the table of the Lord and also take part in anything representing honor to evil spirits, because the LORD will not ignore this.
E — Consider to Do All to the Glory of God
1 Corinthians 10 “23 We are free to do all things, but there are things which it is not wise to do. We are free to do all things, but not all things are for the common good. 24 Let a man give attention not only to what is good for himself, but equally to his neighbour’s good. 25 Whatever meat may be had at the public market, take as food without question of right or wrong; 26 For the earth is the Lord’s and all things in it… 28 But if anyone says to you, This food has been used as an offering, do not take it, on account of him who said it, and on account of his sense of right and wrong… 31 So then, if it is a question of food or drink, or any other thing, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no cause of trouble to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God. 33 Even as I give way to all men in all things, not looking for profit for myself, but for the good of others, that they may get salvation.”
Comments: Christians have freedom in Christ, but there are things that are not wise to do and things not for the common good. In Corinth meat sold in the market may have been associated with idol worship, but it could be purchased with a clear conscience knowing that everything in the earth is from the LORD. The same approach would apply if a believer was the guest of a Gentile — food could be eaten without hesitation unless specifically designated as an offering to an idol. With food or drink, or other matters, the goal should be to do all to the glory of God, in relations with Jews, Gentiles, and within the body of Christ. Paul was not seeking his own benefit from relationships, but desired to see others come to salvation in Christ. Romans 12:15–18 gives similar guidance: be in harmony with one another, do not repay evil for evil, and as far as it is possible be at peace with all men.
Reflections in Prayer
Lord, I ask that you open my heart to apply Paul’s reminder of the provisions directly from your hand which set apart your chosen people freed from bondage in Egypt. Even though they saw great miracles, they allowed immediate desires to turn their hearts away from a promised land that must have seemed too far off. Give me the desire Lord, to regularly read and study your Word to renew my confidence in your promise of eternal life, as I seek your strength to live by your commandments. Thank you, Lord, for providing ways for believers to escape from trials that are common to all of mankind. Some of those trials may come as I try to be aware to avoid any appearance of idol worship. I want to be careful to give all glory to my Lord and Savior in genuine humility. Amen.
Published 20 May 2018