Take Two: 1 Corinthians 10, Proverbs 25

In 1 Corinthians 10, we may be tempted to try to read it apart from the subject matter before it. The big picture that serves as the common thread throughout the previous chapters also connects this chapter. We are free in Christ, and freedom carries with it responsibility. The example Paul uses here is OT Israel.

1 Cor 1:1-5 reminds us that all of Israel was emancipated in the same way, at the same time, having heard the same stories and followed the same leadership. They all had received manna from heaven and water from the rock. Yet...some fell into idolatry while in the wilderness (desert) (Ex 32) at Mt Sinai. Some engaged in immorality (Numbers 25) while others spoke against God and Moses (Num 21:5), and still others complained (Number 16:41-50). Paul notes that in each of these sins, God brought judgment and the judgment serves as an example to us (1 Cor 10:6) so that we will not fall into the same condemnation. We are not to treat our liberty as a license to sin...relying on our eternal security to save us. We are to use our liberty responsibly...living for others rather than ourselves (1 Cor 10:23-24, 31).

There will always be temptation to sin. God does not bring the temptation (James 1:13). God provides a way of escape (1 Cor 10:31). God does use the circumstances of our temptation and our proper response as an event to reconcile others. Let me explain.

1 Cor 10:27-31 gives an example of a real life encounter. When someone is invited by an unbeliever to dinner, he does not have to check to see if the food is Kosher and get a history on where the food comes from (because it was common to serve meat sacrificed on idol altars since the meat would bring blessing). The Christian is free to eat. [That's right...you don't have to examine the ingredients of every marinade when invited over for steaks at your neighbor's house]. However, we have to also recognize that whatever we do reflects on Christ...so if our neighbor tells us that the meat came from an altar to an idol...we are to avoid eating it...even if it might offend our neighbor. SELAH.

I preach often that we are to remove barriers to the gospel. I am all about being culturally relevant. I care much more about getting the opportunity to share than I do about what the dinner consists of or was cooked it. However, I am an ambassador of the King. Do you suppose Jesus ever ate from an idol's altar after someone told him what was being served? I suspect not. Here is why. Sometimes people will intentionally (or unintentionally) put us in a compromising position to see how we respond. Our response must reflect Christ. While we are called (I believe) to be missionally minded in our culture, we are still to be distinct from culture (1 Peter 1:15-16). Our goal in every encounter is to present Christ as He is: The holy Son of God and our Salvation (1 Cor 10:31-33), so that men may be saved.

Proverbs 25:28 is the takeaway today. A city's honor was in it's walls. This is why Nehemiah rebuilt the walls around Jerusalem. A man without the discipline to control himself (his emotions, his responses) is a man without honor. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and is achievable for all. Like all disciplines though...discipline is key.