"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS"
Chapter Ten
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To realize the possibility of apostasy
2) To appreciate the help of God in times of temptation
3) To understand the importance of properly applying the principle of
expediency
SUMMARY
In this chapter Paul brings to a conclusion his discussion concerning
things offered to idols. Reminding them about the example of Israel's
apostasy and the danger of their own, he commands them to "flee
idolatry" (1-14). He describes the communal implications of religious
feasts and warns against provoking the Lord to jealousy by having
fellowship with demons (15-22). This is probably a rebuke to the sort
of practice alluded to in chapter 8, verse 10, where some at the church
in Corinth thought nothing of eating sacrificial meat even in an idol's
temple! He closes by giving specific instructions concerning meat that
was later sold in the market place, or offered at the dinner of an
unbeliever to which they might be invited: that they not be concerned
unless someone specifically associates it with having been offered to
an idol, and then to refrain out of consideration for the other's
conscience (23-30). An overriding principle? Do all to the glory of
God, and provide no occasion for others to stumble (31-32). In other
words, imitate Paul, who sought to save others just as Christ did
(33-11:1).
OUTLINE
I. EXAMPLES OF ISRAEL'S APOSTASY (1-14)
A. APOSTASY IN SPITE OF BLESSINGS (1-5)
1. Blessings received in the crossing of the Red Sea (1-2)
2. Blessings received as they sojourned in the wilderness (3-4)
3. Still, with most of them God was not pleased, and they died in
the wilderness (5)
B. THE EXAMPLE OF ISRAEL SHOULD SERVE TO WARN CHRISTIANS (6-14)
1. Their example of apostasy to warn us (6)
a. Not to become idolaters (7)
b. Not to commit sexual immorality (8)
c. Not to tempt Christ (9)
d. Not to murmur (10)
2. Their history recorded to admonish us (11)
a. For we can just as easily fall (12)
b. Though God is faithful to provide help in dealing with
temptation (13)
3. Therefore, flee from idolatry! (14)
II. RELIGIOUS FEASTS AND THEIR COMMUNAL IMPLICATIONS (15-22)
A. THE EXAMPLE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER AND THE SACRIFICES OF ISRAEL
(15-18)
1. Paul speaks as to those capable of making wise judgments (15)
2. Partaking of the Lord's Supper is a communion of the Lord's
body and blood (16-17)
3. The priests of Israel who ate the sacrifices were sharing in
the services offered on the altar (18)
B. APPLIED TO THINGS SACRIFICED TO IDOLS (19-22)
1. Not to say that an idol is anything, nor that which is offered
to the idol (19)
2. But those who offer the sacrifices do so to demons, not God;
and Paul would not want them to have fellowship with demons
(20)
3. They cannot eat and drink at the Lord's table and then do the
same at the tables of demons (21)
4. Such would provoke the Lord to jealousy (22)
III. CONCLUSION REGARDING THINGS SACRIFICED TO IDOLS (23-11:1)
A. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS (23-30)
1. Seek for those things that are helpful, being considerate of
the well-being of others (23-24)
2. Concerning things sold in the market, eat without question
(25-26)
3. When you are invited to a dinner with an unbeliever (27-30)
a. Eat what is set before you, asking no question for
conscience's sake (27)
b. But if someone should point out that the food had been
offered to an idol, don't eat (28-30)
1) For the sake of the one who pointed it out (28a)
2) For the sake of another's conscience (28b)
a) Lest your liberty be judged by the other's
conscience (29)
b) Lest you be evil spoken of concerning that for which
you gave thanks (30)
B. GENERAL PRINCIPLES (31-11:1)
1. Whatever you do, do all to the glory to God (31)
2. Give no offense to Jews, Greeks, or the church of God (32)
3. Just as Paul sought to please others rather than himself, that
others may be saved (33)
4. Imitate him, as he imitated Christ (11:1)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
Move your mouse pointer underneath each question to see the answer.
1) List the main points of this chapter.
2) What Old Testament account illustrates the possibility of apostasy?
(1-11)
3) What attitude is most likely to precede one's fall? (12)
4) What promises do we have that should encourage us in times of
temptation? (13)
5) What is the Lord's Supper according to verse 16?
6) What does partaking of the one bread (loaf; NIV) demonstrate? (17)
7) What would partaking of more than one loaf demonstrate?
8) In considering a matter, what must be considered besides its
lawfulness? (23-24)
9) To whom are we to give no offense (an occasion of stumbling)? (32)