1Moreover, brothers and sisters, I would remind you that all our ancestors were under the cloud, and they all passed through the sea,
2And, in the cloud and in the sea, they were all baptized as followers of Moses;
3They all ate the same spiritual food;
4And drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from that spiritual Rock that accompanied them; and that Rock was Christ.
5But God was not pleased with many of them; they were overthrown and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
6Now these things occurred as examples to us, to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things, as they did.
7Nor to be idolaters (idol worshippers), as some of them were; as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play’ (Ex.32:6).
8Neither let us indulge in sexual immorality, as some of them did - and in one day twenty-three thousand died.
9Nor should we test Christ, as some of them tested Him, and died from snakebites.
10Nor should you murmur (grumble), as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.
11All these things happened to them for examples, and they were written down as warnings for us, who live at the end of the age.
12So, let all that think they stand firm take care that they do not fall.
13No temptation has gripped you that is not common to mankind; for God is faithful, and He will not permit you to be tempted beyond what you can bear; but, with the temptation, will also provide a way to escape, that you may endure it.
14Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idol worship.
15I speak to reasonable people; judge for yourselves the truth of what I say.
16When we share the cup at the Lord's table, are we not sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, are we not sharing in the body of Christ?
17Because there is one loaf, we, being many are one body; for we all share in that one loaf of bread.
18Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices sharing in the altar?
19Am I suggesting that the idol is anything, or the food offered in sacrifice to idols is anything?
20No, but I am saying that the things that the pagans (Gentiles) sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God; and I would not want you to participate or have fellowship with demons.
21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and also the cup of demons; you cannot be have a part in the Lord's table, and the table of demons.
22Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Do we think we are stronger than He?
23So far as the law goes, all things are allowed; but all things are not good; they may all be lawful for me, but not all are beneficial.
24No one should seek only their own good, but rather the good of others.
25You may eat whatever is sold in the market, asking no questions for your conscience’s sake;
26For the earth is the Lord's, and everything that is in it. (Ps.24:1)
27If a non-believer invites you to a dinner, and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you, raising no questions of conscience.
28But if someone says to you, ‘This was offered in sacrifice to idols’, do not eat it, both for the sake of the one that told you, and for the sake of their conscience: for the earth is the Lord's, and everything that is in it. -
29I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not your own; for why should my liberty be judged or limited by what someone else thinks?
30For if I participate in the meal, why am criticized for what I have given thanks to God for?
31Therefore, whether you eat, drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
32Do not offend nor cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, nor the church of God;
33Even as I try to please all men in all things, I am not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of many, that they may be saved. Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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