Author: Charlie Garrett

Sunday, 19 October 2014

Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; 1 Corinthians 10:25

Paul’s words in this verse take us right back to the discussion of verse 17 which said, “For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.” In that analysis, the question was raised, “Does the taking of the communion bread result in our being one body?” Paul’s answer here shows that the answer is “No.”

He instructs the Corinthians (and thus the Gentile-led church) to “eat whatever is sold in the meat market.” When we go shopping, there is nothing sold there which is forbidden. If we see a tasty delight of whatever kind of meat and regardless of where it came from, including from the sacrifice at an idol’s temple, it is simply meat. If the eating of the meat (comparable to the taking of the bread) resulted in our being united to the idol, then we couldn’t follow through with Paul’s instruction. However, meat is meat and bread is bread. The eating of either doesn’t result in our being united to the idol (meat) or united to Christ (bread).

Rather, it is the participation in the ceremony which others would see and thus identify us with the entity represented by the sacrifice, whether we actually were or not. Therefore, as perception is important for conscience’ sake, we are to keep our conscience clear and at the same time we are to not negatively affect others’ conscience through our actions. Understanding this, Paul continues with his thought by saying about our meat-shopping experience, “asking no questions for conscience’ sake.”

If we ask questions about the meat, what will the result be? If it was first sacrificed to an idol and that knowledge was passed on to us, it would then become a point of conscience, not merely of eating. But what if it wasn’t sacrificed to an idol? It would make no difference at all. And so we see that either way by not asking then no matter of conscience is connected to the meat. The meat doesn’t change by the sacrifice; the meat in relation to us changes by the conscience (perception) of what the sacrifice means.

In this, we can see the truth of the statement “Ignorance is bliss.” There is no defiling of our conscience by having others assume that we are participating in an idol’s sacrifice, and there is no defiling of another’s conscience by their assumption that it makes any difference at all to us about where the meat came from.

Life application: When Paul wrote to those in Corinth about buying meat, he said that we should “eat whatever is sold in the meat market.” Two obvious points come up which have been shunned by many sects and cults. 1) The meat sold does not in any way adhere to the dietary laws found within the Law of Moses. And so, 2) the type of meat also does not in any way adhere to the dietary laws found within the Law of Moses. If your church, pastor, denomination, etc., tells you that you shouldn’t eat any type of meat (pork is always a good example), it’s time to leave and find a new place to worship. Paul is rather clear here.

Heavenly Father, I thank You that even though I don’t adhere to the dietary laws of the Old Testament, I am still considered clean in Your eyes. My obedience isn’t found in rituals and observances, but rather it is found in the fulfillment of those laws by Another. My trust is in the finished work of Christ, not in my pitiful attempt to meet standards that no one has ever met except Him alone. It is with great thanks that I can rest in Him and be found faultless in Your eyes. Surely He has done all things well! Hallelujah and Amen.

Saturday, 18 October 2014

Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being. 1 Corinthians 10:24

The words used by Paul here are still given in relation to food which has been sacrificed to idols, but they form a general principle for any debatable issue. He has already revealed that an idol is nothing, and he has also shown that participating in the sacrifice to an idol aligns a person with that idol and with those who sacrifice to it (even though the idol is nothing). He has shown a distinction between the meat and the ritual, but some may not perceive that distinction. They may tie to the two together in their thought process and come to an incorrect conclusion concerning the eating of such meat.

In order to avoid such a stumbling-block in a person like this, Paul will continue to give words for us to consider. Remember, these words follow a general principle even though he is discussing a particular issue. In the end, love should be the first consideration as we conduct our actions before others.

As a side note, the word “well-being” is inserted for clarity, but it is a good choice of wording. Other versions say “good,” “welfare,” “advantage,” and so on. The olde King James Version says “wealth.” When it was written, it meant more than what wealth means today and it implied a general sense of well-being. However, as times go by, words evolve and they no longer carry the same signification they once did. This is why it’s always good to check with multiple versions and not get myopically fixed on one translation lest misunderstandings arise.

Life application: When we seek out our own well-being first, it is inevitable that others will receive less esteem than they should. It is impossible to exalt ourselves above others while exalting others above ourselves. Thus, we should walk in humility and defer honor to those around us. As the Lord says, “…whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king
And do not stand in the place of the great
For it is better that to your ear he sing
“Come up here to a higher position, good mate!

Humility is a noble and dignified trait
And something which is highly esteemed by the Lord
In due time He will exalt you, so patiently wait
Until the day when He speaks to you a goodly word

Be patient and walk in a humble way
Exalt others and do not your own esteem hunt for
By doing so you will receive His favor some wondrous day
When you are brought through heaven’s open door

Lord Jesus, help me to be good to those around me and to place others above myself. I know Your word asks me to do this, but my human nature often gets in the way. Keep me from a boasting heart and the desire to stand above others. Instead, grant me humility and kindness to those I come in contact with. I know with this You will be well-pleased. Amen.

Friday, 17 October 2014

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 1 Corinthians 10:23

Paul reveals his thoughts on the delicate matter of eating meat sacrificed to idols in a verse which carries the same tone as he previously made in chapter 6. There he said –

“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” 1 Corinthians 6:12

In agreement with the thought that “all things are lawful for me,” Paul will issue words to confirm that idea in verses 25-27. The Christian has the liberty to act in ways that demonstrate Christ’s fulfillment of the law. We have been freed from restrictions once imposed upon us by that law. However, in agreement with the thought that “not all things are helpful,” Paul will issue words to confirm that idea in verses 28 & 29.

There is the truth that our liberties are intended to grant us individual freedoms, and there is the truth that our individual freedoms should not be exercised when they negatively effect the sensibilities of others. Where “all things are lawful” there is the truth that “not all things edify.” And if something doesn’t edify, then it may actually be destructive. We have to consider the effect of our actions towards others if we are to demonstrate love towards them.

In a wise choice of words, McLaren gives us these thoughts concerning Paul’s doctrine –

“He did not keep his ‘theology’ and his ethics in separate water-tight compartments, having no communication with each other. The greatest truths were used to regulate the smallest duties. Like the star that guided the Magi, they burned high in the heavens, but yet directed to the house in Bethlehem.”

Life application: Let us use our freedoms in Christ wisely and for edification. When there is no conflict between what we may do and how it will negatively affect others, then go forward with a clear conscience. But if such a conflict arises, be wise, discerning, and considerate towards those whom we may offend. However, if our actions which uphold a biblical mandate are found to be offensive, that is another issue. We are never to compromise Christian doctrine for the sake of “tolerance.”

Heavenly Father, today I ask for wisdom in how I conduct myself in regards to my Christian freedoms. Help me never to offend by what is allowed but not necessary. But at the same time, help me never to compromise what is required at the expense of offense. Above all, my heart desires to show others Your grace while also showing them my obedience to You. I know this can’t be done without knowing Your word, so please continue to reveal it to me for right doctrine and right practice. Thanking You in advance for hearing my request, I praise You. Amen.

Thursday, 16 October 2014

Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? 1 Corinthians 10:22

As noted in the previous verse, we were told that we “cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons” and that we “cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.” In follow up to those words of instruction, Paul’s question is, “Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?” In other words, by doing this thing which is morally wrong, we will with all certainty provoke the Lord to jealousy. It is the obvious result of participating in idolatry. In the giving of the 10 Commandments, the people of Israel were told explicitly that the Lord is a jealous God. This is stated in the giving of the fourth commandment –

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; ⁵ you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.” Exodus 20:4, 5

Likewise, a few chapters later in Exodus, the Lord expresses His name as “Jealous.” It is the strongest tie possible to the nature of Himself in relation to His redeemed people –

“…for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:14

And in a thought directly from the Song of Moses, we see how idolatry is exactly what provoked the Lord to jealousy after they were redeemed from the land of Egypt. It was a constant source of irritation to Him as He led them through the wilderness –

“They have provoked Me to jealousy by what is not God; They have moved Me to anger by their foolish idols.” Deuteronomy 32:21

These words of instruction, as well as the words of chastisement, were given to the people in order to get them to wake up to the holiness of the Lord and their need to cling to Him alone, forsaking all other “gods” which are not gods at all. Though the Law of Moses is now obsolete in Christ and is set aside by His work, we are dealing with the same holy Lord. His nature does not change and our relationship to Him in this regard also does not change. This is the intent of Paul’s words which ask, “Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?”

And in order to solidify that, he finishes this verse with the question, “Are we stronger than He?” Vincent’s word studies notes that, “The force of the interrogative particle is, surely we are not stronger.” In other words, it is an exclamation even though it is put in the form of a question. “We (definitely) are not stronger than He!” He judged His redeemed people Israel and we can expect the exact same Judge’s hand when we fall into idolatry. Let us heed this warning.

Life application: In Christ, we have a new relationship which goes far beyond that of ancient Israel. We have a salvation which can never be lost and which unites us to Him so that we are one body. Because of this, we might feel that we are safe from judgment. This is not the case. Later in 2 Corinthians, Paul will speak of the time when we stand before Christ in order to receive our judgment. When that time comes, let us be found approved and not lose the wondrous heavenly rewards that would otherwise be granted to us. Our salvation is secure, but our rewards and losses are being earned through our present walk with Christ.

O Lord – how often do I wake up and find that my strength for the day ahead is lacking. And it’s not just physical strength, but sometimes it’s my emotions or my internal motivation to meet the unfriendly prospects of relationships, job problems, or even some minor responsibility that I feel pressured by. And yet, as soon as I start reading Your word and thinking about Your strong hand of guidance that is with me, I begin to forget my troubles. Because You are with me, what can man do to me? I have all the strength I need and it comes from You. Thank You for this knowledge each day as I rise. Thank You. Amen.

Wednesday, 15 October 2014

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. 1 Corinthians 10:21

Paul, having established that a believer who participates in a pagan ritual would actually be fellowshipping with demons admonishes the Corinthians that, “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons.” His words do not indicate an impossibility of physically carrying out such an action. Rather, they indicate the moral impossibility of it. This is certain because of what he will say in the next verse. We can actually do what he is warning against, but if we do then we are severing a tie of fellowship with the Lord when we do it. As he says in his second epistle –

“…what accord has Christ with Belial?” 2 Corinthians 6:15

The answer is that there is no accord between the two. By participating in pagan rituals, we stand alone with the demon and apart from Christ. This is because “you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.” It is an “either/or” situation. The severity of our actions in this matter is noted by Paul in the next chapter. There he will say the following which is a precept that certainly includes the instruction he is now giving –

“Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. ²⁸ But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. ²⁹ For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” 1 Corinthians 11:27-29

In fact, Paul continues in this same set of verses noting the consequences of such actions. They were consequences already seen among the Corinthians –

“For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. ³¹ For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. ³² But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:30-32

We must take care in how we conduct ourselves. The Lord protects His name jealously and is never pleased when His saved children bring discredit upon it.

Having said this, it should be noted that Paul’s words here record the first instance of the words “the Lord’s table.” This terminology has been used by faithful followers of Christ for 2000 years as we have proclaimed “the Lord’s death till He comes.” The taking of communion in observance of this is one of the two ordinances commanded by the Lord – baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Be sure to partake of this with gratitude and humility.

Life application: The Lord’s Supper is a high honor to participate in. Some churches offer it a couple times a year, some once every month or two, but there is nothing wrong and everything right with taking it every time a congregation comes together. It is a continual reminder of the wondrous work of Christ for us.

Lord, when I come to the table and receive the elements of my faith, I am humbled and honored to know what they represent. In Your perfection, You came and fulfilled the law which stood against us and which condemned us. And then, in Your great grace and mercy, You gave Your perfect life in exchange for my sins. They are nailed to the cross along with the law. In You I am set free. I thank You and honor You, and I proclaim Your death until You come again as I receive the bread and wine. Thank You for this privilege. Amen.