1 Corinthians 10-11:1.  In the wilderness, freedom is a dangerous thing. One wrong choice and your body is left to rot, and the people will go on.  Paul wanted to discourage the Corinthians from abusing their freedom by getting too close to their own idolatrous past.  They were free to eat anything sold in the marketplace. But to knowingly eat of food that was dedicated to one of the Greek or Roman gods would encourage unbelievers to continue rejecting Christ.  So Paul tells them to abstain for the sake of unbelievers. He appeals to two examples. First, the ancient Israelites who tried to have it both ways in the wilderness.  Destruction followed. Then he appeals to the Lord’s Supper.  It celebrates God’s grace through the blood and body of one: Jesus Christ. To practice idolatry is to add others, and provoke the LORD to jealousy.

LORD, we celebrate you and you alone. Our confidence is in you alone.