Warnings from Israel's Past

(Numbers 16:41-50; Numbers 25:1-5)

1Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2And were all baptized to Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3And all ate the same spiritual food; 4And all drank the same spiritual drink: (for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.) 5But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them: as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8Neither let us commit lewdness, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents. 10Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11Now all these things happened to them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall. 13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Flee from Idolatry

(Exodus 20:22-23; Leviticus 19:1-8)

14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 15I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. 16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 18Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they who eat of the sacrifices, partakers of the altar? 19What then do I say? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with demons. 21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of demons. 22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

Do All to the God's Glory

23All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 24Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. 25Whatever is sold in the provision market, that eat, asking no question for conscience' sake: 26For the earth is the Lord's, and its fullness. 27If any of them that believe not invites you to a feast, and ye are disposed to go; whatever is set before you, eat, asking no question on account of conscience. 28But if any man shall say to you, This is offered in sacrifice to idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience' sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and its fullness: 29Conscience, I say, not thy own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged by another man's conscience? 30For if I by grace am a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

31Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32Give no offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.