QT - 1 Corinthians 10 :1-11 :1

Keep yourself from falling ! 

Key Verse 10: 12 

Paul firstly talks about the story of Israel pointing out what we must do when temptation comes. Then he deals with the problem of freedom of conscience in relation to sacrificed meat.

1. The lesson of Israel's history (1-13) 
Israel experienced so much grace and power of God in the desert. The cloud covering the people's burning heat, the divided red sea, the manna, and the water coming out of the rock. Despite so much blessing, Israel adored the golden calf and committed adultery with the Moabites, so that 23,000 succumbed the same day. The plaintiffs perished by the bite of the burning snakes. Israel, who did not thank the love of God and the blessing because of their pride, all perishes in the judgment of God. Whoever thinks he is standing, must be careful not to fall. In spite of the very serious test in our eyes, God does not give it beyond our capacities. Moreover, knowing our limits, he also gives us the way to divert it.

2. The freedom of conscience of the Christian (23-11: 1)
Even if it is the sacrificed meat, as it is God who gives it, we can eat it without hindrance in the consciousness. But there are weak Christians who have the motive of very susceptible conscience. At this moment, one must abstain from freedom by considering those who are weak. He who renounces his freedom and rights even if it is not sin, is a Christian like a firm wall. However, the ultimate goal of all the acts of a Christian is the glory of God. Even if we seek the interest of others, we must not compromise with the world; we must be careful that the glory of God is not degraded. The people of the time thought that just as one became one with Lord through the Lord's Supper, so did one become with the idol through the consummation of the meat sacrificed to him. So, the Christian, instead of advancing his freedom or right, must reflect on the question of whether what he does is consistent with the glory of God ! The constant practice of reflecting on "whether ours acts lead to the glory of God" keep us from falling !