First Corinthians 8–10 brings the discussion on sexuality (in chapters 5–6) to a conclusion at the same time that it introduces Paul’s answers to specific questions asked through a letter (1 Cor. 7:1) from the Corinthians. These answers will dominate the remainder of 1 Corinthians.
The transitional nature of 1 Corinthians 7 indicates that sexual immorality (chapters 5–7) and idolatry (chapters 8–10) are related topics. Indeed, they are often mentioned together in the New Testament (see Acts 15:20, 29; Acts 21:25; 1 Cor. 6:9; Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5; Rev. 21:8; Rev. 22:15).
In general, while in 1 Corinthians 5–7 Paul deals with the problem of sexual immorality, in 1 Corinthians 8–10 his main concern is the issue of idolatry. He states that Christians must flee from both (1 Cor. 6:18, 1 Cor. 10:14).
Last week, we saw that by being a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19, 20), one can flee from sexual immorality. This week, we will see that one can flee from idolatry by doing “all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31, NKJV).
Thought questions: What are some idols that even Christians can end up worshiping, if not careful? What are some good things that we can turn into idols? Also, how do you know if something that you care greatly about has become an idol?