1 Learning from Israel’s FailuresFor I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea,2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,3 and all ate the same spiritual food,4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they were all drinking from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.5 But God was not pleased with most of them, for they were cut down in the wilderness.6 These things happened as examples for us, so that we will not crave evil things as they did.7 So do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.”8 And let us not be immoral, as some of them were, and 23,000 died in a single day.9 And let us not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by snakes.10 And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.11 These things happened to them as examples and were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come.12 So let the one who thinks he is standing be careful that he does not fall.13 No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it. Avoid Idol Feasts14 So then, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.15 I am speaking to thoughtful people. Consider what I say.16 Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread that we break a sharing in the body of Christ?17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all share the one bread.18 Look at the people of Israel. Are not those who eat the sacrifices partners in the altar?19 Am I saying that idols or food sacrificed to them amount to anything?20 No, I mean that what the pagans sacrifice is to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be partners with demons.21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot take part in the table of the Lord and the table of demons.22 Or are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we really stronger than he is?23 Live to Glorify God“Everything is lawful,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is lawful,” but not everything builds others up.24 Do not seek your own good, but the good of the other person.25 Eat anything that is sold in the marketplace without questions of conscience,26 for the earth and its abundance are the Lord’s.27 If an unbeliever invites you to dinner and you want to go, eat whatever is served without asking questions of conscience.28 But if someone says to you, “This is from a sacrifice,” do not eat, because of the one who told you and because of conscience —29 I do not mean yours but the other person’s. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience?30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I blamed for the food that I give thanks for?31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.32 Do not give offense to Jews or Greeks or to the church of God,33 just as I also try to please everyone in all things. I do not seek my own benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved.