Epicenter: Corinth (Exchanging Idols for Jesus) — Tuesday
1 Corinthians 10:21
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot share in the Lord’s table and the table of demons. (CSB)
Demons?! Wait a minute, I thought we were just talking about idols! What is all this talk about sharing a cup with demons?
In the tenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul explains that there is essentially no difference. At the time of Paul’s writing, Corinthian believers were navigating a tricky issue: how to approach food and drinks offered as sacrifices to pagan gods, which was an extremely common occurrence in their culture. In response, Paul helps the believers understand that the issue is not the purity of the food—it’s the intentions of their hearts, and the impact on those who may witness and assume they, as followers of Jesus, approve of pagan worship. So while they didn’t need to fear accidentally consuming this food, Paul still emphasizes the danger of intentionally associating with idolatry, and in doing so, he shares some jarring truth with the Corinthians: Those who worship idols are actually worshiping demons.
This may not come as a surprise to you, but the devil demands to be worshiped. He wants your devotion and affection to be turned toward him and away from God. Look at what He said to Jesus in Matthew 4:9—“I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.” Whether knowingly or unknowingly, those who worship false gods inevitably worship demons. They are pledging themselves to evil spirits who desire nothing more than to turn their hearts away from God.
How did Jesus rebuke the devil? He referenced Deuteronomy 6:13, saying, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him” (Matthew 4:10, CSB). In today’s verse, Paul explains to those in Corinth, and to us now, that you can’t worship God and demons. It’s the equivalent of adding two and two together and attempting to get five. It is a math equation that will simply never work. Only God deserves our attention, devotion, and affection. It simply cannot be shared.
Tuesday’s Reflection
It’s a convicting invitation, but my encouragement for you today is to examine your own life. Is there anything that you are allowing to steal your attention and devotion from God? If so, repent and choose to turn to God today!
“He wants us—all or nothing. Do you think you can get off with anything less?” 1 Corinthians 10:22 (MSG)
