- The devilish fellowship: (10:19-22): The eating of food sacrificed to idols in pagan temples is nothing but having fellowship with devil. A believer cannot partake of the Lord’s food (the New Testament supper) and devil’s The new converts cannot help being affected if they knowingly ate with pagans in their feasts the meat offered to idols.
In the communion we speak of unity and fellowship with Jesus, in the same way the pagan banquets, given in the honour of idols, speak of unity with demons who take advantage of misdirected worship. To eat at a pagan temple banquet was nothing but to have fellowship at the altar of idols.
Again the Lord Jesus Christ took the cup and blessed it at the Last Supper. It is the cup of new covenant. When early Christians took communion, they were aware of its connection to Passover, and with the last supper of Jesus with His disciples. The ignorant Corinthians indirectly having fellowship with demons, by participating in the dinners at the pagan temples, will provoke the Lord to jealousy. Yes, He has a right over all our worship, and has a right to get angry if we give our fellowship to demons. Further the Corinthian Christians claimed the right to eat at pagan temples because they were such strong Christians. Paul is questioning them “are they stronger than God?” Every believer must be careful not to get involved in the matter of eating and must lead a sanctified life. In countries like India, it is too common for Christians eating the food sacrificed to idols. One must be careful.
The freedom in God: (10:23-33):
The principle of freedom should be governed by love.
- What believers can do: (10:23-24): The activities that are not beneficial or constructive and do not promote the good of others must be avoided.
Some things lead to slavery and cause other weak believers to stumble. We must exercise maturity and balance our freedom with responsibility. The Corinthians focussing on their rights based on their knowledge, asking themselves, “what is wrong in eating sacrificed food?“ The Corinthian Christians were not seeking the good of others but of themselves. Instead of going forward more with Jesus or more obedient to Jesus, they were drifting away more and more from Christ. They wanted do as little as possible and yet live like Christians and be involved in the church. This is the pathetic situation in our country like India. Christians wanted to do as little as possible. Many people think that they have the salvation and obtained the ticket to heaven and now they can do whatever they please to do. We must always think of doing loving thing to my brothers and sisters in Jesus.
- What believers should do: (10:25-33): The Corinthians should have asked themselves, whether their acts are helping others and edifying them. If any of our friends invites us for dinner, and we desire to go, eat whatever is set before us, it would be wise to ask them if our friend is from a different faith. But if he says to us, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake.
We can eat anything which is sold in the market without raising questions of conscience, because the earth belongs to the Lord and everything in it. But if know that the particular food is sacrificed to idols. We must abstain from eating. Whatever we eat or drink, we must do all for the glory of God. Eating and drinking does not make one sinner or saint. Because we have to live for the glory of God, our eating and drinking should also bring glory to God. Nothing we do should cause another believer to stumble whether he is Jew or Greek or Gentile. We must do for the best of others. Christian leaders and believers must be carefully teach about the freedom of eating and not be carried away by just the word of freedom. In a pluralistic society like India, where Christians and Hindus live together in colonies, it is quite common to receive invitations during the festivals and other functions. Christians must be careful while exercising their freedom. If we take a stand for the first time, the neighbours and friends who are of other faith would understand about our commitment.
The following question must asked by ourselves before eating and drinking with others:
- Will my freedom in Christ lead the weak believer to slavery?
- Has my freedom in eating is becoming a stumbling block to weak brother or sister?
- Has my freedom in Christ is making bridges or barriers for others to come to Christ?
- Has my actions which are pleasing are glorifying Christ or not?
- Has my freedom in Christ and actions are bringing the lost souls to Christ and turning them away?
Let every Christian be careful of his actions and his exercise of freedom.