This study of 1 Corinthians hapter 10:1-12 was given by pastor Barry on 21st January 2024.
In these verses, Paul builds the theme of the previous two chapters, namely, that we should be careful that our so-called ‘knowldge’ doesn’t become a stumbling block for another believer, and that we should be careful that our confidence, which can quickly become apathy, does not cause us to fall!
In his summary David Guzik says the following:
“i. In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul established two principles. First, an idol really is nothing, and it was fine for Corinthian Christians who understood this to act according to this knowledge, in regard to themselves. Second, for Christians love is more important than knowledge. So even though I may “know” eating meat sacrificed to an idol is all right for myself, if it causes my brother to stumble, I won’t do it, because it isn’t the loving thing to do.
ii. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul showed how important it is for Christians to give up their “rights.” Just as Paul gave up his “right” to be supported by his own preaching of the gospel, so some of the Corinthian Christians must sometimes give up their “right” to eat meat sacrificed to idols, based on the principle of love towards a weaker brother. In the end of chapter 9, Paul showed how a Christian must be willing to give up some things – even “good” things – for the sake of winning the race God has set before us, otherwise we will become disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:27) in the competition of the Christian life.”
Now in this chapter Paul takes us back to consider the Children of Israel, who, despite their incredible beginning, being delivered from Egypt, passing through the midst of the Red Sea, seeing water come pouring from a rock, seeing God descend on Mt Sinai in fire… despite all of this they still stumbled and fell.
Paul urges us to not make the same mistakes.
Tragically, when we look at the history of Israel and compare it to the history of the Church, we see that the Church has made exactly the same mistakes. It seems we have learned nothing!
See the following comparission:
In this incredible evidence of design, we see a parallel of Israel’s history that has been repeated by the church.
As an interesting study, compare the 7 parables in Matthew 13 with the 7 letters in Revelation 2 & 3.
May you be blessed and encouraged by this study
