IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

As I Follow the Example of Christ

Date: Aug. 29, 2015

Passage

1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1 

14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with 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. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

Do All to the Glory of God

23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience—29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 11:1

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

First, flee from idolatry (14-22). The Christians in Corinth had no trouble with eating food sacrificed to idols, and they could justify it. But Paul teaches a different attitude. He told them to flee from idolatry, not entertain it. They were united with Christ by the power of his death, full participants in the free gift of salvation. In fact they have no participation with idols or demons. They cannot live a compromised life and participate in both the table of the Lord and the table of demons. To do so is far from worship; it invites the wrath of God.

Second, do all for the glory of God (10:23-11:1). When we allow our lives to be guided by what we are free to do, or what is permissible for us, we become self-centered. But God made us to be centered on Christ. When we follow Jesus wholeheartedly and follow his example, we do all things for the glory of God. We are then guided to serve him and to serve others above ourselves. Paul was a good example for the church in Corinth. He offered his life in order to follow the example of Christ, and he taught them to follow his example.

Prayer: Lord, help me to follow the example of Christ and be guided to the glory of God.

One Word: Follow Christ

Daily Bread

God is Our Deliverer

Psalm 78:40-72

Key Verse: 78:65

Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,
like a strong man shouting because of wine.

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