Presuming on Freedom
A. F. Barfield. 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Moreover, brothers, I would not that you should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud… This chapter is closely connected with the eighth. The principle there laid down is "act from love, and not mere knowledge." The great danger was that of presuming on the freedom enjoyed under the gospel. To meet this, Paul says, "Beware lest you carry this principle too far. God once had a people privileged as no other people were. But notwithstanding this they were overthrown. And you Corinthians, as surely as you allow your liberty to degenerate into licence, will be destroyed even as the Israelites were." Consider — I. THAT GOD RULES BY UNALTERABLE LAWS. As under Moses, so under Christ. Then people sinned, and punishment followed; and so as surely as we sin will judgment overtake us. II. THAT SPIRITUAL PRIVILEGES ARE NO GUARANTEE OF SECURITY. The Israelites were privileged — where are they? The Corinthians were privileged — but where are the Corinthians now? England is a great nation; but as surely as her laws vary from the Divine code will her glory wane. A Church may have great activity, a fine ritual, and a popular ministry, but as certainly as that Church forgets God, "Ichabod" may be written upon her walls. The individual Christian may have conquered sin in various forms, but as soon as he begins to say, "I can do it," in that moment he shows his weakness and his fall has begun. III. THAT SATAN IS NOT OMNIPOTENT (ver. 13) He may try his worst, but there will come a time when God will say, "Thus far, but no farther." IV. THAT NO MAN CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS. God and idols can never agree. Some of the Corinthians partook of the Lord's Supper, and then joined idolaters in their unhallowed feasts. 1. They did this probably — (1) Because they thought as an idol was nothing, there could be no harm in the act. (2) Or from some lingering feeling of superstition connected with the old forms of worship. (3) Or because they wished to avoid the jeers, and, perhaps, persecution of their old companions. 2. But the Christians who attended those sacrifices would be supposed to engage in the same worship (ver. 21). And just so now; in order to receive the Divine benediction men must be straightforward and true. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." V. A MANIFESTATION OF TRUE GREATNESS (ver. 24). Some men think it a sign of greatness when they carry their point in opposition to every one else. The apostle says true greatness is seen when self is light as a feather compared with the interests of the other. The concluding verses illustrate his meaning. Here, then, is a principle for the guidance of life. The true Christian may go anywhere, and do anything that his own conscience does not condemn; but the moment he is in danger by his liberty of leading others astray, abstain from the act, even if you deny yourself. VI. DO NOT MAKE RELIGION OBTRUSIVE, BUT ALWAYS ACT RELIGIOUSLY (vers. 27, 28). VII. "WHATSOEVER YE DO, DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD." This is the supreme end of life, and the only right motive of action; indeed, this principle includes all others (A. F. Barfield.) Parallel Verses KJV: Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; WEB: Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;