“But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils” (1 Corinthians 10:20).
TEXT — 1 Corinthians 10:18-33
Message
The attempt to create an alternative object of worship drives human beings into idol worship. Most people, even so- called Christians, do not know when and where to draw the line in their relationship with friends and relatives who have signed up to this repugnant way of life. Because they seek to be nice and remain in the good books of everyone, they allow their friends and neighbours to draw them into idol worship. They lack the knowledge and courage to avoid relationships and friendships that will lead them to dine with devils.
While Christians are not expected to be detached completely from the communities where they live and are to freely interact and associate with others, Apostle Paul by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit here sets a limit to the extent of such relationships. In this passage, Christians are thus admonished to apply wisdom in order to avoid cultural influences and traditional practices that have the undertone of idol worship. They should be knowledgeable enough and courageous to shun idolatrous festivities and sacrifices. Taking part in these feasts amount to having fellowship with devils.
Although we must support religious tolerance for peaceful co-existence, that does not warrant the believer to support idolatrous and satanic worship. We are not to sanction and approve their practices nor give any form of support, whether monetary or technical to them.
When we refuse to participate in their worship, it also helps the light of Christ in us to shine more brightly and lead them to find the true path to the worship of the living God mediated through Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life!
Thought for the day
Getting involved with idolatrous practices contaminates our fellowship with God.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
