1 Corinthians 10:17–22 (ESV) —
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 participants 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 participants 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?
NOTE: Paul had just argued that Demons are nothing and meat that has been sacrificed to Demons is nothing. But now, Paul seems to argue the opposite. I think the difference is that in one case there is participation in a worship service to an idol that is attended by demons. At the same time, we participate in Communion. Participation shows allegiance, and you can't be on both sides. Similarly, you can't serve God and mammon (money). As a believer, however knowledgeable we think we are, there should be an allegiance to God only. There is no place for this dallying in evil systems. It is dangerous and quite literally can kill you. There is one God and we should be devoted to him alone. Let's not play with fire, let's be totally sold out on Jesus
PONDER:
- Where do I play with the world's fire?
- How can I move away from the danger?
PRAYER: Father, help me to see my own failures and the games I unknowingly play with myself. I want to be holy. I want to be yours alone.
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