FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26
1 Corinthians 10:25-30
1 Timothy 4:4-5

“For the earth is the Lord’s,
and the fulness thereof.”

CONCERNING FOOD OFFERED TO IDOLS

As a master teacher, Paul applied the principles he had laid out in 1 Corinthians 9-10 to two common scenarios in daily life:

1. Buying food in the market (1 Cor 10:25-26)

During the time of the Corinthians, there was every possibility that the food sold in the market had been offered to idols. Thus, when a person visited the market, he was to buy and eat the food without asking any questions. So long as he did not ask any questions, he could not be accused of being involved in any idolatrous ritual. He was to also eat the food without fear, for this food belonged to the Lord (1 Cor 10:26). 1 Timothy 4:4-5 is particularly instructive: “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” This food had no power over the Christian, for the one living and true God is greater than all the false gods in this world.

2. Attending a hosted meal (1 Cor 10:27-30)

A Christian is free to attend a meal that is organised by his unbelieving friend. If the host says nothing about the food being offered to idols, the Christian may eat of the food with a clean conscience. However, if the host clearly indicates that the food has been offered to idols, then the Christian must take a stand and not eat the food. To do so would be to indicate union with false gods. The Christian must be conscious to set a good example to younger believers and not wound their conscience. He must not be a stumbling block to others, neither should he give an ambiguous message to his host concerning Christ. He must take a stand that there is only one living and true God in this world, and this God is Jehovah!

THOUGHT: God’s Word directs us in our daily matters.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to apply doctrine rightly and wisely.