Learning from Israel’s sins
1 Now sisters and brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact that all our ancestors were under the cloud, and they all passed through the sea. 2 All of them were thereby “immersed” with Moses; 3 they all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink, which flowed out of the spiritual Rock they followed— and that Rock was Christ. 5 Yet the majority of them displeased God and they were scattered around in the wilderness.
6 Now these things became examples for us so that we would not crave worthless things like they did. 7 Don’t become idolaters as some of them did. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and then got up to play.” 8 And do not become promiscuous as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand of them died in one day. 9 And we must not provoke Christ as some of them did, and they were killed by serpents. 10 Do not grumble as some of them did, who were wiped out by the Exterminator.
11 All of those things happened to them as a warning for us to whom the completion of the ages has come. 12 So then, let those who think they stand strong be careful that they don’t fall. 13 No trial has come upon you but that which all people experience. But God is faithful; he will not abandon you to be tested beyond your limit but will carry you to safety.
Keeping the Christian community pure
14 So, dear ones, run from idolatry. 15 Let the sensible ones judge what am saying. 16 The cup of blessing we bless— isn’t it partnership with the blood of Christ? The bread we break— isn’t it partnership with the body of Christ? 17 For we who are many are one bread, one body; we all share in that one loaf.
18 Look at physical Israel; aren’t those who eat the sacrifices in partnership with the altar? 19 Now do you think I’m trying to argue that a sacrifice to an idol is anything, or that the idol is anything? 20 Those that they sacrifice to are demons, not God, and I’m certainly not intending for you to become partners with demons! 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Master and of demons; you cannot eat at the table of the Master and of demons. 22 What?! We would be provoking the Master to jealousy, and we are not stronger than he is!
23 “I can do whatever I want,” but not everything is good for me. “I can do whatever I want,” but not everything builds me up. 24 Don’t only be concerned about your own welfare but also that of others. 25 So don’t go to the meat market and start worrying about whether it might violate your conscience; just eat. 26 For “The earth is the Master’s, and everything in it.”
27 If an unbeliever invites you to eat and you want to go, eat whatever is placed before you and don’t ask questions. 28 But if they say to you, “This was offered in sacrifice,” then don’t eat it, for the unbeliever’s sake and for conscience’ sake. 29 Now by conscience, I mean that of the other person, not you. After all, why should my freedom be decided by someone else’s conscience? 30 If I am partaking with gratitude, why should I be slandered over something I give thanks for?
31 So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to honor God. 32 Try not to offend Judeans or Greeks or God’s Congregation, 33 just as I, in all things, do not seek only my own good but the good of many so that they may be saved.