June 18, 2006: 1 Corinthians 10:1-22 "Against Idolatry"

Mike Phay preaching.

Imagine taking your kids to the Grand Canyon and offering them this challenge:  "Hey kids!  The one to do a triple somersault-backflip-handspring closest to the edge without falling in gets to pick where we eat for dinner!"  Good parents would passionately urge their children to stay away from the edge.  You would never let your kids play with the Drano, hoping that they wouldn't drink it would you?

In 1 Corinthians 8-10, the Apostle Paul is teaching his spiritual children about the dangers of "eating food sacrificed to idols."  In 10:16, he urges them: "Flee from idolatry!"  Don't dawdle around and play a little bit with it...flee! 

The warning sounds strong across the centuries.  Even though most of us are not tempted to eat "idol-food" or go to "idol-meals," we are daily tempted with the soul-destroying beckoning of idols that are trying to snatch the affection and allegiance of God's children.  And yet God will not give His glory to another; he will jealously protect it.  And he has shown this throughout His story -- especially in the people of Israel.  And he calls for us now to be people who do not crave evil things, but rather to be men and women like Phinehas (Numbers 25), who are as passionate about His glory, His honor, and His mission as He is.