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1 Corinthians 10:21
Verse
Context
Flee from Idolatry
20No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons.21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.22Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord - It is in vain that you who frequent these idol festivals profess the religion of Christ, and commemorate his death and passion in the holy eucharist; for you can not have that fellowship with Christ which this ordinance implies, while you are partakers of the table of demons. That the Gentiles, in their sacrifices, fed on the slain beasts, and ate bread and drank wine in honor of their gods, is sufficiently clear from various accounts. See my Discourse on the Holy Eucharist, where many examples are produced. The following from Virgil, Aen. viii, verse 179-273, is proof in point: - Tum lecti juvenes certatim araeque sacerdos Viscera tosta ferunt taurorum, onerantque canistris Dona laboratae Cereris, Bacchumque ministrant. Vescitur Aeneas simul et Trojana juventus Perpetui tergo bovis et lustralibus extis. - Quare agite, O juvenes, tantarum in munere laudum, Cingite fronde comas, et pocula porgite dextris, Communemque vocate Deum, et date vina volentes. The loaves were served in canisters; the wine In bowls; the priests renewed the rites divine: Broiled entrails are their food, and beef's continued chine Ye warlike youths, your heads with garlands crown, Fill high the goblets with a sparkling flood, And with deep draughts invoke our common god.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord--really and spiritually; though ye may outwardly (Kg1 18:21). cup of devils--in contrast to the cup of the Lord. At idol feasts libations were usually made from the cup to the idol first, and then the guests drank; so that in drinking they had fellowship with the idol. the Lord's table--The Lord's Supper is a feast on a table, not a sacrifice on an altar. Our only altar is the cross, our only sacrifice that of Christ once for all. The Lord's Supper stands, however, in the same relation, analogically, to Christ's sacrifice, as the Jews' sacrificial feasts did to their sacrifices (compare Mal 1:7, "altar . . . table of the Lord"), and the heathen idol feasts to their idolatrous sacrifices (Isa 65:11). The heathen sacrifices were offered to idol nonentities, behind which Satan lurked. The Jews' sacrifice was but a shadow of the substance which was to come. Our one sacrifice of Christ is the only substantial reality; therefore, while the partaker of the Jew's sacrificial feast partook rather "of the altar" (Co1 10:18) than of GOD manifested fully, and the heathen idol-feaster had fellowship really with demons, the communicant in the Lord's Supper has in it a real communion of, or fellowship in, the body of Christ once sacrificed, and now exalted as the Head of redeemed humanity.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils,.... Not only they ought not, but they could not rightly, truly, and really drink the cup of wine in the Lord's supper, in the true faith of Christ's bloodshed, and his sacrifice offered up for them, in remembrance of his love, and to the honour of his name; and also the cup of wine of libations, poured out and drank to the honour of the Heathen deities; these things are utterly inconsistent; no man can serve two masters, God and mammon, or God and Baal; nor is there any concord between Christ and Belial, or agreement between the temple of God and idols: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils; no man can spiritually, however he may externally partake of the entertainment provided, on the table of the Lord, at his supper instituted and kept in commemoration of him; and also with gust and pleasure, and without any concern for the peace of weak minds, and the honour of God, eat things set upon a table in an idol's temple, and before the idol, and as sacrificed unto it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:21 Believers should avoid participating in religious meals eaten in a pagan temple (see 8:10), because those united to the Lord (Christ) cannot simultaneously be united to demons (see 2 Cor 6:14-16).
1 Corinthians 10:21
Flee from Idolatry
20No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons.21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.22Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Communion in Its Fullest - Part 1
By Derek Prince48K36:021CO 10:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognition, participation, and sharing in our relationship with Christ. He highlights the significance of engaging multiple senses in order to have a greater impact on our understanding and retention of God's word. The speaker also expresses his personal conviction that the ultimate solution to the world's problems lies in the return of Jesus. He discusses the three aspects of communion in relation to Christ: proclamation, remembrance, and anticipation. Additionally, he mentions the importance of self-judgment and avoiding condemnation by the world.
Dare to Be a Daniel
By C.H. Spurgeon5.0K36:49DAN 1:81CO 10:141CO 10:212CO 6:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith in God and relying on the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ for salvation. He encourages believers to strive for spiritual health and to develop every grace and consecrate every faculty of their lives to walking with God. The preacher also highlights the example of Daniel, who demonstrated his faith by trusting in God's provision and standing firm in his beliefs. He warns against compromising one's faith and succumbing to worldly temptations, urging Christians to remain steadfast and true to their beliefs.
The Lord's Table
By T. Austin-Sparks2.2K32:05Lord's TableJHN 6:511CO 10:161CO 10:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the profound and wonderful fact of the union between believers and Christ. They highlight that this union is not just a ceremony or ritual, but a testimony to the deep connection between us and Christ. The speaker warns against the temptation to give up on Christianity, as it would be like committing spiritual suicide. They refer to the scriptures in John 6:51, where Jesus declares himself as the living bread and emphasizes the identity and participation between believers and Christ. The speaker also addresses the need to approach the communion table with a fresh understanding and impact, rather than just going through the motions.
I Want to Be Among Those (Compilation)
By Compilations1.7K03:37CompilationMAT 6:331CO 10:212CO 6:17EPH 5:111TI 6:102TI 4:3JAS 4:4In this sermon, the speaker urges listeners to run away from certain types of churches and teachings that do not align with the true message of the Gospel. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding churches that focus solely on success, prosperity, and self-improvement, as well as those that prioritize the glorification of men over Christ. The speaker also warns against churches that lack the Bible, the cross, soul-searching, repentance, and the mention of the blood of Jesus. He encourages listeners to flee from churches where worship is cold and where they can comfortably remain in their sins. Additionally, the speaker advises running away from preachers who use manipulative tactics to gain money and those who promote division between races and cultures.
How to Lay Down Your Life to Love Others - Part 2
By Milton Green1.1K45:58EXO 14:11MAT 22:391CO 10:121CO 10:212PE 2:12PE 2:19JUD 1:4In this sermon, the preacher expresses his disillusionment with the world and its superficiality. He finds joy in seeing people come to Jesus with genuine hearts. The preacher emphasizes that the world system is deceptive and everyone is playing a game, putting on acts to impress each other. He believes that the Bible is meant to be understood and shares his own humble background, emphasizing that he is chosen by God's grace. The preacher encourages the congregation to love one another, reach out to others, and let their light shine, rather than being prideful or judgmental.
Joshua 24:15
By Chuck Smith0Family LeadershipChoiceDEU 30:19JOS 24:15PRO 22:6MAT 6:24ROM 6:161CO 10:21GAL 5:13EPH 6:4JAS 1:81PE 2:9Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of choice in the life of a believer, highlighting that God has given humanity the capacity to choose between serving Him or other influences. He explains that this choice is a profound responsibility, as it determines one's destiny and is influenced by both God and Satan. Smith urges listeners to recognize that everyone serves something, whether it be the true God or other 'gods' of pleasure and power. He concludes with a powerful declaration of commitment, encouraging families to serve the Lord together, emphasizing the father's role in guiding his household in faith.
Rev. 3:16. the Charity of the Lord Jesus
By Horatius Bonar0LukewarmnessFaith and CommitmentISA 42:3MAT 10:32MAT 12:30MRK 9:40LUK 9:62ROM 14:41CO 10:212TI 1:7JAS 4:4REV 3:16Horatius Bonar emphasizes the grave danger of spiritual lukewarmness in his sermon on Revelation 3:16, warning that being neither cold nor hot is an abomination to Christ. He contrasts the indecisive with those who are genuinely for Christ, highlighting that even the timid and weak in faith are accepted by Him. Bonar encourages believers to be vigilant in their spiritual temperature, urging them to avoid complacency and to recognize that even small acts of faith are valued by the Lord. He reassures the faint-hearted that Christ's charity extends to all who do not openly oppose Him, offering hope and encouragement to those struggling with their faith. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a passionate commitment to Christ, warning against the dangers of a diluted faith.
Consecration
By Eli Brayley0EXO 35:22JOB 1:8ROM 12:11CO 6:191CO 10:212TI 2:20Eli Brayley preaches on the importance of consecration, emphasizing that as Christians, without consecration to the Lord, we will achieve very little for Heaven. The key to all spiritual success lies in consecration, which involves dedication, separation, and ultimately consecration to God. Through dedication, believers willingly offer themselves to the Lord for His service, without the intention of serving the world. Separation is crucial as Christians must separate themselves from worldly contaminations to be effective vessels for God's use. Consecration allows the Holy Spirit to flow through believers unhindered, enabling them to be fully used by God.
Godly Conduct Under Persecution
By William Burnett0PSA 23:4PRO 17:3ISA 43:1DAN 3:17MAT 28:20JHN 16:33ROM 8:311CO 10:212CO 4:17HEB 13:5William Burnett preaches on the lessons from Daniel chapter 3, emphasizing the importance of trusting God in the midst of trials, even when facing unbearable circumstances. He warns against distorting truth, exaggerating it, and turning it into an idol, highlighting the dangers of idolizing one truth at the expense of others. Burnett also discusses the influence of religion in political systems, the power of music in idolatry, and the misconception that faith guarantees deliverance from all troubles. He concludes by stressing the presence of God in the fire of trials, reminding believers that they are never alone in their struggles.
Ye Cannot Serve God and Mammon
By A.B. Simpson0DevotionCommitment to God1KI 18:21PSA 91:14MAT 6:24MAT 22:37LUK 10:42ROM 12:11CO 10:21GAL 2:20PHP 1:21JAS 1:8A.B. Simpson emphasizes that Jesus clearly states one cannot serve both God and mammon, warning that attempting to do so leads to serving only one master, ultimately resulting in spiritual deception and failure. He illustrates this with examples of biblical figures like Saul, Balaam, and Judas, who faced dire consequences for their divided loyalties. In contrast, he highlights Mary and Paul, who exemplified a singular devotion to Christ, leading to divine favor and deliverance. Simpson urges believers to fully commit their hearts to God, assuring that such dedication will not go unrewarded. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own commitment to Jesus as their sole master.
Daniel and His Companions in Babylon
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0DAN 1:1ROM 12:11CO 10:21EPH 5:18Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the introduction to the Book of Daniel, focusing on the divine judgment that fell upon Jerusalem through Nebuchadnezzar's invasion. Despite the attempt to assimilate Daniel and his companions into Babylonian culture, they remained faithful to God, showcasing the importance of separation from the world and standing firm in faith. This chapter serves as a lesson for God's people today, emphasizing the need for believers to be transformed by renewing their minds, staying separate from worldly influences, and seeking deeper communion with the Lord for spiritual growth and wisdom.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord - It is in vain that you who frequent these idol festivals profess the religion of Christ, and commemorate his death and passion in the holy eucharist; for you can not have that fellowship with Christ which this ordinance implies, while you are partakers of the table of demons. That the Gentiles, in their sacrifices, fed on the slain beasts, and ate bread and drank wine in honor of their gods, is sufficiently clear from various accounts. See my Discourse on the Holy Eucharist, where many examples are produced. The following from Virgil, Aen. viii, verse 179-273, is proof in point: - Tum lecti juvenes certatim araeque sacerdos Viscera tosta ferunt taurorum, onerantque canistris Dona laboratae Cereris, Bacchumque ministrant. Vescitur Aeneas simul et Trojana juventus Perpetui tergo bovis et lustralibus extis. - Quare agite, O juvenes, tantarum in munere laudum, Cingite fronde comas, et pocula porgite dextris, Communemque vocate Deum, et date vina volentes. The loaves were served in canisters; the wine In bowls; the priests renewed the rites divine: Broiled entrails are their food, and beef's continued chine Ye warlike youths, your heads with garlands crown, Fill high the goblets with a sparkling flood, And with deep draughts invoke our common god.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord--really and spiritually; though ye may outwardly (Kg1 18:21). cup of devils--in contrast to the cup of the Lord. At idol feasts libations were usually made from the cup to the idol first, and then the guests drank; so that in drinking they had fellowship with the idol. the Lord's table--The Lord's Supper is a feast on a table, not a sacrifice on an altar. Our only altar is the cross, our only sacrifice that of Christ once for all. The Lord's Supper stands, however, in the same relation, analogically, to Christ's sacrifice, as the Jews' sacrificial feasts did to their sacrifices (compare Mal 1:7, "altar . . . table of the Lord"), and the heathen idol feasts to their idolatrous sacrifices (Isa 65:11). The heathen sacrifices were offered to idol nonentities, behind which Satan lurked. The Jews' sacrifice was but a shadow of the substance which was to come. Our one sacrifice of Christ is the only substantial reality; therefore, while the partaker of the Jew's sacrificial feast partook rather "of the altar" (Co1 10:18) than of GOD manifested fully, and the heathen idol-feaster had fellowship really with demons, the communicant in the Lord's Supper has in it a real communion of, or fellowship in, the body of Christ once sacrificed, and now exalted as the Head of redeemed humanity.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils,.... Not only they ought not, but they could not rightly, truly, and really drink the cup of wine in the Lord's supper, in the true faith of Christ's bloodshed, and his sacrifice offered up for them, in remembrance of his love, and to the honour of his name; and also the cup of wine of libations, poured out and drank to the honour of the Heathen deities; these things are utterly inconsistent; no man can serve two masters, God and mammon, or God and Baal; nor is there any concord between Christ and Belial, or agreement between the temple of God and idols: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils; no man can spiritually, however he may externally partake of the entertainment provided, on the table of the Lord, at his supper instituted and kept in commemoration of him; and also with gust and pleasure, and without any concern for the peace of weak minds, and the honour of God, eat things set upon a table in an idol's temple, and before the idol, and as sacrificed unto it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:21 Believers should avoid participating in religious meals eaten in a pagan temple (see 8:10), because those united to the Lord (Christ) cannot simultaneously be united to demons (see 2 Cor 6:14-16).