III. Idolatry and Christian Freedom (1 Corinthians 8-10)


One of the most severe problems Paul must deal with is to convince believers to cut off their ties with idolatry completely. In chapter 8, a certain group in the church sees no problem in feasting with family and friends where they always have -- in pagan temples. This is causing serious problems for new believers with tender consciences, who see older Christians doing this and are confused, since they've just left paganism.

In chapter 9, Paul bolsters his credentials as an apostle who has authority to command the believers in Corinth on this and other matters that are crucial to their survival as a Christian community.

1 Corinthians: Discipleship Lessons from a Troubled Church, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Available as a book in paperback, PDF, and Kindle formats.

In chapter 10, Paul takes another tack to turn believers away from any involvement with idolatry -- the spiritual implications of flirting with the demonic realm that is behind idolatry, followed by practical instruction for living as Christians in a pagan world. We'll consider chapters 8 and 10 together.

  1. The Case for Spiritual Purity (1 Corinthians 8 and 10)
  2. Understanding a Leader's Passion (1 Corinthians 9)


Copyright © 2024, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor@joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.

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