QT 10/07/2024 Wed. 1Cor 10 Freedom to give up. 放弃的自由.

QT 10/07/2024 Wed. 1Cor 10
READ http://www.esvbible.org/1cor10

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. (1 Cor 10:12)

The readers have over-rated themselves. Paul therefore warns them severely, with examples from Israel's history—they died in the wilderness (1Cor 10:5). They went astray even though they experienced the exodus miracles (1Cor 10:1-2).

Therefore, we need to stay HUMBLE and be warned of these possible pitfalls :-

(1) The dangers of setting our hearts on evil things (1Cor 10:6);
(2) Being idolaters (1Cor 10:7, 14-22)
(3) Engaging in sexual immorality (1Cor 10:8)
(4) Testing the Lord (1Cor 10:9)
(5) Grumbling (1Cor 10:10)

In Corinth, meat was offered in pagan temples. The priests there used some for themselves. The excess meat might be resold to the market place (lower price tag). But the fresh meat commanded a higher premium.

An unbelieving friend invited you to dinner (1Cor 10:25) and served meat, which origin was unknown. Paul says "Don't ask" (1Cor 10:25,27). But if that friend revealed it as meat previously offered to idols, do not eat for the sake of the conscience of others.

REFLECTION: Even though in Christ you have the freedom to do certain things without contravening the law (1Cor 10:23), do we give up our rights for the good of others?

APPLICATION: May our lives be gospel centred for the saving of many lives for the glory of God, not for self-glory.

星期三 2024年7月10日 今日读经：哥林多前书10章.
http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/1Co/10/
听 https://www.bible.com/bible/41/1cor.10.cnvs

所以，那自以为站得稳的，应当谨慎，免得跌倒。(林前10:12)

读者太高估自己了。保罗因此严厉地告诫他们，他引用了以色列历史上的例子--他们都死在旷野(林前10:5)。虽然他们经历了出埃及时的神迹，却仍然走上歧途(林前10:1-2)。

所以，我们必须保持谦卑并清楚地知道这些陷阱的存在:-

(1) 贪恋恶事的祸患(林前10:6);

(2) 拜偶像(林前10:7,14-22);

(3) 涉及淫乱的事(林前10:8);

(4) 试探主(林前10:9);

(5) 发怨言(林前10:10).

在哥林多，他们在偶像的庙宇供奉肉。那里的祭司也为自己取了一些肉。多余的或许则卖到市集去(以更低价售出)。但新鲜的肉的价位却比较高。

一个非信徒的朋友邀你共进晚餐(林前10:25)并端上肉，其来源不明。保罗说“只管吃，不要问什么”(林前10:25,27)。但是如果那个朋友透露这肉是曾供奉过偶像的，为了他人良心的缘故，就不要吃。

反思：虽然，在基督里，你有自由去做一些事情，也不违反律法(林前10:23)，但为了他人的益处，你是否会放弃一些权力？

应用：愿我们的生命是以福音为中心，为了神的荣耀拯救许多的生命，而不是为了自己的荣耀。