20.

Idol Feast and the Lord’s Supper

1 Corinthians 10: 14-22

  • Session: 20
  • Week: 3
  • Day: 6
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Introduction

In this session, 1 Corinthians chapter 10: 14-22, the study focuses on understanding the difference between the idol feasts and the lords Supper, which the new community of believers from Corinth would participate in. Participating in the table of demons would be a major cause of their disqualification from the prize. Paul challenged them to act like wise men and to judge what he was saying

Objectives

By the end of this session, the learner will have:

  • Appreciated the example of the Jewish journey as a warning to those who live now
  • Understood the cause of disqualification for the prize for the church of God by comparing themselves with the Israelite church
  • the difference between the idol feast and the Lords table

Outline

  • The Israelite journey as an example for us
  • What lessons can we learn from them
  • Temptation dynamics

Group Study Time

1 Corinthians 10: 14-22

Connecting

  • Gather with two or more people for a community discovery bible study session.
  • Start with a heartfelt prayer, inviting God to guide and bless your understanding.
  • Explore the passage by reading it at least twice, using different Bible versions if available, then retell the story together as a group.
  • Reflect and share the challenges and blessings you experienced from the previous study.

Comprehending

  • What is idolatry? Why is it the main cause of disqualification for those in the race?
  • What does Paul say concerning idolatry? 10: 14-18.
  • What did Paul teach about the lord’s table and the demons’ table? 1 Corinthians 10: 16-22
  • What do you think might be an “idol” in your life, whether known or unknown? What does Paul mean that he speaks to “wise men” and that they judge what he says? What is the cup of blessing? What is the blood of Christ and the bread? Who is to practice this and why?

Committing

  • Engage with the Bible—read, study, memorize, meditate, pray, listen, and live it out.
  • List three lessons you have learnt as an agent of change that you would like to put into practice and teach others about.
  • Take time and worship Jesus with the attributes revealed about Christ.
  • Use the SPACEPETS model, to assist you in putting God’s word into practice. Look for:
    • Sin to confess
    • Promise to claim
    • Attitude to change
    • Command to keep
    • Error to change
    • Prayer to make
    • Example to copy
    • Truth to obey and
    • Something praiseworthy

Communicating

  • Identify one person you can connect with and share the valuable insights and lessons you gained from this session.
  • Reach out to a new believer—either in person or by phone—and pray with them to support them through their challenges, including any concerns about attending church.
  • Create a new group and guide others through this study to help them grow in their understanding.

Post Lesson Teaching Summary

Great job completing the study! Take a moment to listen to this summary to reinforce your group’s understanding of the text and ensure you’re all on the same page. We’re here to support your learning journey!

Idol Feast and the Lord’s Supper

1 Corinthians 10: 14-22

1 Corinthians 10:14-22

Context

  • Paul warns the Corinthians against idolatry, using Israel’s history and the reality of demonic influences behind idols in their pagan culture.
  • The passage clarifies that while idols are powerless, idolatry (worship and sacrifice) is real and incompatible with Christian fellowship.

Fleeing Idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14-22)

  • Idols vs. Idolatry: Idols (carved images) are nothing—they cannot see, hear, or act—but idolatry (worship, sacrifice) is real, as sacrifices to idols are offered to demons.
  • Participation in Worship: Eating sacrificed meat in idol temples participates in demonic tables; believers cannot partake in both the Lord’s table (communion) and demons’ tables.
  • Communion’s Significance: The Lord’s Supper unites believers with Christ’s body and blood; similarly, idol sacrifices unite participants with demons, arousing God’s jealousy.
  • Flee Idolatry: Shun idol worship to avoid God’s judgment, as with Israel; spiritual pride in tolerating sin leads to disqualification.
  • Demonic Reality: Though idols are lifeless, they represent demonic forces; believers must not provoke the Lord, who is stronger.
  • Purpose: Flee idolatry to maintain pure fellowship with Christ, avoiding demonic participation and ensuring faithfulness in a pagan culture.

Application

  • Flee idolatry and demonic influences, recognize the reality behind false worship, partake only in the Lord’s table, and live to honor God without arousing His jealousy.