LESSON 14
(10:1-22)

FREEDOM’S DANGERS

 10 I want you to know, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same supernatural food 4 and all drank the same supernatural drink.  For they drank from the supernatural Rock which followed them, and the Rock was Christ.  5 Nevertheless with most of them God was not pleased; for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things are warnings for us, not to desire evil as they did.  7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to dance.”  8 We must not indulge in immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day.  9 We must not put the Lord to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.  11 Now these things happened to them as a warning, but they were written down for our instruction, upon whom the end of the ages had come.  12 Therefore let any one who things that he stands take heed lest he fall.  13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
14 Therefore, my beloved, shun the worship of idols.  15 I speak as to sensible men; judge for yourselves what I say.  16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ?  The bread which 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 partners 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 partners 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?

With a personal touch, Paul had shown in chapter nine that the good of others was a major concern in his life, and that it was possible to begin the Christian race (as with the “weak” brother in 8:8-13) but not finish because of sin.  The problem of sin’s consequences still before him, he now brings into the spotlight the nation of Israel.  God had freed them from slavery and set them “to running” on a course leading to freedom.  They were not characterized by self-control, however, in a great measure, and many of them failed to finish the race.  Thus they provided a sad but instructive example for Christians.
10:1 – In 10:1-4, the Israelites are shown to have all started in the same way, all bound for the land of promise.  they had left Egypt, symbolically been immersed into the covenant represented by Moses, and were recipients of the life that comes from God.  As such, they were typical of Christians who have been freed from bondage to Satan, immersed into Christ and participate in the life abundant.
V. 3 – supernatural food . . . drink . . . rock – The Greek term behind the words “supernatural” is elsewhere translated “spiritual” or some similar form as in 2:4; 3:1; 12:1, 3; 14:1, 12; 15:44, 45, 46, etc.  The point being made is that God was providing the life the Israelites were enjoying.
rock was Christ – Thus the identification of Israel with the Christian: all were of a common source in the spiritual sense.  Note the “our” fathers in v. 1.  Gal. 3:28-29 shows that faith was and is the common denominator for the Israelite and the Christian that let them to be immersed into Moses or Christ, thence to begin a pilgrimage in God’s care.  It is for all these likenesses that Paul utilized the nation of Israel as an example for the nation of Christians.
V. 5 – God was not well-pleased – As is clear from the Old Testament, only Joshua and Caleb of those over twenty entered the land of promise.  As Hebrews 3:7-4:11 reveals, they were not willing to unite faith with the message heard, 4:2, and were thus disobedient.  Hence Paul used them both in Hebrews and in Corinthians as prime examples of what not to be.
they were overthrown – Their death was not “natural” but a result of God’s displeasure.  See Numbers 14:226-35.  The Corinthians, if they failed to discipline themselves, would fall in like manner.
V. 6 – warnings – The same Greek term was in 8:12, translated “wounding” there. See it in v. 11.
desire – This word can be used either for good or evil, both in English and Greek.  The Israelites desired evil but could have desired good.  So can Christians: the choice is ours.  For the Greek term epithume_, see such passages as Mt. 5:28, Mk. 4:19; Lk. 22:15; acts 20:33; Gal. 5:16, 17, 24; Phil. 1:23; Col. 3:5; I Thess. 2:17; 4:5; I Tim. 3:1; Heb. 6:11; James 1:14, 15; II Pet. 2:10; Rev. 9:6.
V. 7 – Do not be – The Greek text implies “Quit being like them.”
idolaters – This term is a general one in most cases, indicative of someone who has quit serving God and taken something or someone else to worship.  It may mean that which is worshiped, or the attitude of the person involved..
to play – From a term paidz_, which meant to act like a child, then to play as a child rather than act like an adult.  In the case before us, Exodus 32 records that when Moses came down from Mt. Sinai, the nation was involved in religious festivities (perhaps of an immoral nature) as they worshiped the golden calf Aaron had made.  In view of v. 6 and the warning at the beginning of this verse, some of the Corinthians were close to being like Israel.
V. 8 – We must not – “Let us not be” is the thrust of the text, as in v. 7, 9, 10.  There is an urgency in the exhortation.  For the historical text, see Num. 25, when Israel was at Shittim.  Despite God’s command to the contrary, many committed immoral sexual acts with the people of Moab who were worshipers of the god Baal-peor.  Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, killed an Israelite and a Moabite to show his displeasure with their evil actions, and God commended him.
V. 9 – to the test – The idea Paul wants them to get can be clearly seen in the book of Numbers, where the Israelites just kept on doing evil.  In the case in Paul’s mind, God sent serpents to punish Israel, Num. 21.  Moses then was instructed to make a serpent of brass to provide a means of healing, but many died because they desired evil rather than good.  From the text in II Cor. 5:18-6:1, it is evident that the Corinthians were still not all they could be.  (You should note that although the text in II Cor. is generally used to show what Christians should do, the fact is that “Be reconciled to God” is directed at the Corinthians.)
The Greek word “test” is also translated “tempt” as in v. 13 (3 times).  It is pairadz_.  Consider Mt. 4:1, 3; 6:13; 26:41; Mk. 10:2; Lk. 8:13; Jn. 6:6; Acts 5:9; 9:26; 16:7; 24:6; II Cor. 13:5; Gal. 6:1; I Thess. 3:5; Gal. 6:1; I Thess. 3:5; I Tim. 6:9; Heb. 2:18; 3:9; 11:17; Jam. 1:13; I Pet. 4:12; II Pet. 2:9; Rev. 2:2, 10.
V. 10 – grumble – Commonly translated as murmured.  The Greek word is gongudz_.  See Mt. 20:11; Lk. 5:30; Jn. 6:41, 43, 61; 7:32; Acts 6:1; Phil. 2:14; I Pet. 4:9; Jude v. 16.  Numbers 14:22 tells us that the nation had tested God ten times, and continued to do so.  Murmuring normally indicated discontent.  As a Christian, none of us ought to be murmurers, but rather learn to give thanks at all times in every circumstance, Phil. 4:11, even for the trials that come, Jam. 1:3ff.  Thankfulness does not come naturally, but it can be cultivated and God will honor such an attitude of heart.  Note here Rom. 1:21.
It is an interesting fact that in v. 7, 8, 9, and 10, Paul used a Greek word m_de.  It almost sounds like our “Mayday” which is a cry of distress.  Paul used it to present to them his concern for their circumstances, that they should not (m_de is a word of negation) be like Israel.
V. 11 – instruction – As in Rom. 15:4 and Heb. 3:7ff., history can be instructive.  If Israel’s history is not studied and lessons duly noted, Christians are apt to repeat it.  For the Greek term, see on 4:14.
ends of the ages – The church age is the culmination of God’s plan for man’s redemption.  Jesus, God’s final word to man, Heb. 1:1-2, came in the fullness of time, Gal. 4:4.  He brought into being the covenant of grace that God had planned since creation, Eph. 1:4-10.
V. 12 – This verse applies equally to all, even Paul himself, as 9:24-27 shows.  Some in Corinth thought they had knowledge, but they yet had much to learn.  Israel was standing at one time, but many were careless and fell.
V. 13 – No one is unique, Paul says.  All are in principle made alike and tested alike.  No one in Christ need suppose that his or her personal temptation is unique.  All are subject to the same common problems.  In fact, this verse is God’s promise to that effect.  He wants the Christian to be assured that no temptation will happen that can’t be handled with God’s help.  In this sense, the Christian is in God’s continual care and no one can snatch a Christian out of God’s hands, Jn. 10:28-29.  All we need do is trust God and obey Him–He will do the rest.  The book of Hebrews is especially helpful in this area as it presents the Christian’s great high priest, Jesus Christ.  Give attention to such texts as 2:10-3:6; 4:14-5:10; 6:9-20; 7:11-28.
The term temptation was discussed on v. 9.  While it is true that James says that God tempts no man, yet it is also true that God tests or allows testing to come to every person.  There is a difference in being tested by God and tempted to do evil perhaps, for God doesn’t test to promote evil but produce good.  He made us moral creatures, which automatically brings the problem of choices and testing.  God tested Abraham, Gen 22:1, and does so to all.  The promise here in v. 13 is that He will not permit a Christian to be tested beyond his strength to resist.  That promise is not necessarily for everyone, as seems to be intimated in Rom. 1:18ff., where God gave up on those who gave up on Him.  Just exactly what that means is not stated, but it seems to indicate that the promise here in v. 13 was not for such as give up on God.
V. 14 – 10:14-22 has a second important point about meat and idols: while the meat is neutral in itself, where and when it is eaten may not be.  In the case at hand, Paul relates when a Christian could not eat meat offered to idols: when it was at a feast in a temple devoted to some religious feast for an idol.  He also gives the reason why the prohibition is given.
V. 14 – flee – “Keep on running!”  This is one of the ways to avoid temptation.  It is a reflection of self-control, 9:25.  Consider 6:18 again, then II Cor. 6:14-7:1 and Col. 3:1ff.
V. 15 – Somewhat of a play on their claim to be wise, Paul presents the need for judgment on their part.  The reasons for the needed judgment included both the preceding texts and what is said in vv. 16-22.
V. 16 – This verse and v. 17 echoes the idea of 10:1-4: as Israel was in fellowship with God, so are the Christians.  A meal or sacrifice was one visible evidence of unity.
participation – A translation of the familiar term koin_nia.  Check v. 18 and v. 20 for “partner,” then 9:23.  Check 1:9 for more texts.
V. 17 – As ch. 12 emphasizes, a common relationship to Jesus makes a common relationship to each other.  However, as will be shown, such a fellowship limits things that can be done.
V. 18 – The Jew had a covenant relationship with God, and the altar was one of the outward symbols of it.
V. 19 – Lest they misunderstand, the meat on the altar (or offered to the idol) was nothing of itself.  Indeed, the idol was nothing but an idol, so much wood or stone, etc.  However, the idol was symbolic of something, just as was the altar for the Jew or the communion for the Christian.  The altar (and all associated with it) really represented God, just as communion represents Jesus, and just as the idol represented a demon, v. 20.
V. 20 – demons – the information that those in Corinth needed was that an idol feast in a temple represented participation in worship of the demon, whatever else may have been known or not known.
Some in Corinth were evidently of the mind that such feasts could be shared without any problem involved.  That was not true for the reason that is stated.
V. 21 – This verse clarifies the picture in this way: what is possible to do once in a while may become habitual.  It was wrong for Christians to worship a demon anytime.  Paul’s prohibition was to keep them from making such a practice in life.  The Greek terms for “eating and drinking” at the idol’s feast indicate a habit, a life style, something done consistently.
partake – This term likewise indicates what is normally true.  A Christian in Corinth simply had to realize that one could not serve Christ and at the same time serve another master (which is what would be taking place when they ate at the idol’s feast).
V. 22 – As pointed out in 10:5-10, God will only permit so much disobedience, and then He takes action.  One must be for Christ or against Christ in thought and practice, Mt. 12:30.  As Heb. 10:31 and 12:29 pint out, God is not to be trifled with.  If one is to attain the victor’s crown in the spiritual realm, then the race must be run “Looking unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,” Heb. 12:1ff.
10:23 – 11:1 will provide additional clarification and a summation of the issues.

	LESSON 14 QUESTIONS

1. 	How does 10:1-22 help the Corinthians see some of the issues in respect to meats, etc.?

2. 	How did Paul parallel Israel and Christianity?

3. 	If a Christian sins, is it because God has allowed him/her to be tested beyond the ability to resist?

4. 	How much do you take advantage of God’s faithfulness in respect to temptation?

5. 	State clearly the problem in eating at a feat for an idol.

6. 	Does Paul say what the danger is behind the idol?

7. 	What does Paul state a Christian cannot do?

8. 	Should the action God took against the murmurers of Israel be a warning to the Christians?