Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 10:25–26
Remember that in last week’s devotions, God had Paul write in 1 Corinthians 10:20–21, “No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.” But then, God had Paul write in 1 Corinthians 10:25–26, “Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake; 26 for the earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains.” At first, this might seem like a contradiction, but it’s not. God used Paul to help the Christians in Corinth understand that the meat did not contain demons, so the meat itself could be eaten without concern. But as God had Paul write His warning in 1 Corinthians 10:15–22, God told the Christians in Corinth that there was an atmosphere of fellowship with demons within the pagan temples in Corinth, and He did not want any of His children involved with that at all. However, the meat itself was simply food, nothing more, and the meat was something they could purchase in the market and eat; again, not to eat the meat at the cost of causing a younger Christian to stumble. Every Christian has to make daily decisions that not only affect themselves but also impact all those people in their sphere of influence. We must continually be salt and light to all through Christ in us.
Challenge & Application
What was the difference between what God said in verses 15–21 and what He said in verses 25–26?
As Christians, why must we be careful in our daily choices in all we do?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!