Exploring the Scripture

Paul is concerned. Some Christian Gentiles in Corinth have continued historic practices of idol worship, despite their declared Christian discipleship. They argue it is part of their culture, their civic duty. They see no harm or contradiction in this behavior. It is what they always have known. Paul despairs that they have not grasped what it means to claim belief in one God.

Paul confronts them by rehearsing the Old Testament events and figures of Israel’s wilderness journey. He reminds them the people of Israel repeatedly received God’s blessings and guidance and then shortly took it for granted or ignored God’s activity. Paul refers to Israel as “under the cloud” and “passing through the seas.”

He mentions God supplying water and food for the wandering Israelites. Even with God’s guidance and help, the Israelites tended to return to the worship of idols, considering their selfish wants to be the most important. Paul says, “God was not pleased with most of them, and they were struck down in the wilderness” (v. 5).

These events are cited as a warning, examples for the Corinthian church to avoid. This is remarkable since most in Corinth were not Jews and didn’t see themselves in the same frame of reference as Israel. However, Paul argues that Christians have been baptized into the body of Christ, the family of God, and are heirs of Israel’s experiences. He points out parallels between Israel’s experience, Corinthian self-reliance, and idol worship. He encourages them to break away from their ancestral practices.

The primary evil Paul sees is idolatry, placing something other than God at the center—worshiping something else (an object, a person, a place, and so on) instead of God. Verse 12 has a key summary statement, “So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall.” If you think you are in control, think again. How easily we leave the path and go our own way, thinking we know best. Have we (and the Corinthians) forgotten God’s purposes of justice and peace for everyone?

In these modern times, we see the Israelite and Corinthian journeys, notice their failures, and try to learn from them. Especially during the season of Lent, we examine our lives, motives, and dreams—not just with us in mind but the whole creation. Paul assures us that God is faithful and encouraging. In turn, we strive to be humble and grateful for God’s constant care. With God, all things are possible.

Project Zion Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. As members of the family of God, we all are connected and often make the same mistakes.
2. Worship of idols comes in many forms and always turns people away from God-centered living.
3. It is important to be humble, not thinking we can control or manage God’s purposes.
4. God is faithful and will provide. We experience God’s constant care.

Questions to Consider

1. What helpful understanding have you learned from Israel’s wilderness journey?
2. Why do you think Paul was so concerned about idol worship in Corinth?
3. Do you think Paul would recognize similar faults in our faith communities? What “ancestral practices” might be present in your community?
4. How do you and your faith community strive to keep God at the center of your journey?
5. How is your Lenten journey like Israel’s? Corinth’s?