Examples from Old Testament History

1Moreover, brethren, I want not that you should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

2And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3And did all eat the same spiritual food;

4And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

5But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

7Neither be you idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

8Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

9Neither let us test Christ, as some of them also tested him, and were destroyed by serpents.

10Neither murmur you, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer.

11Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come.

12Therefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

13There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Idolatry and the Lord's Supper

14Therefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

15I speak as to wise men; judge what I say.

16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

17For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

18Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

19What do I say then? that the idol is anything, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is anything?

20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not that you should have fellowship with demons.

21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: you cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of demons.

22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

Do All to the Glory of God

23All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

24Let no man seek his own, but every man another's good.

25Whatsoever is sold in the meat market, that eat, asking no question for conscience's sake:

26For the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.

27If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and you be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience's sake.

28But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience's sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof:

29Conscience, I say, not your own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged by another man's conscience?

30For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

31Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.

32Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

33Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.