1 Corinthians 10:14-32

 1 Corinthians 10:14-32

Some Corinthians were participating in a Pagan feast. When challenged by other Christians in the congregation that this was wrong, they apparently replied that they knew the idols were nothing and because they were free in Christ, they had the liberty to do what they wanted. There arose questions that Paul will answer, but first he points out that as Christians we must not worship idols. When we share in the Lord's Supper, we share in Christ with other Christians. When a Christian shares a pagan feast, they are sharing in the worship of idols. The idol is nothing itself, but behind every idol is a demon. Some Corinthians, no doubt, said that they were just going through the motions, that they didn't mean what they were doing. Worship is not an emotion or a feeling but rather an action. When we participate in the Lord's Supper in a distracted or half-hearted way, we are worshipping, however poorly. Participation in pagan feasts and festivals is worship of the demon, even if it is half-hearted worship. So to the question, can Christians participate in pagan festivals? Paul says no!

Paul asserts that everything is God’s and the claims a demon may make on anything are false claims. So Paul advises that we not worry ourselves over the question by trying to find out the history of every morsel. 

What about eating at a Pagan's home? Paul says go ahead if you want, but if you find it is celebrating a pagan deity, then don't participate. When we are dining or doing something, let it be to the glory of God. Our conscience is free, and we ought to enjoy ourselves.

There's one point missed by the folks at Corinth and by many disciples today. Paul has a foundational motive behind all that he is saying and doing. In verse 33, Paul says he intentionally attempts to please all men in all things. Clearly this is under the constraints of holiness. Paul was not the anti-party of opposition that many Christians today assume he was or tried to be. But this pleasing was not for his personal advancement but rather was for the purpose of leading people to salvation in Christ. Eating and drinking, feasting and festivals, and everything else is not about us. Rather, it is about reaching the lost.

“Lord, let me live for You in all that I do. AMEN”