Joined to Christ
1 Corinthians 10:14–22
Pastor Joshua Crutchfield
Part of The Gospel United Church—A Sermon Series Through 1 Corinthians
February 18, 2023

Be joined to Christ no matter the cost.

1 Corinthians 10:14–22

vv.14–15—Paul calls the Corinthian believers to flee idolatry. This command echoes his command in 6:18—flee sexual immorality. Idolatry and sexual immorality and linked—we join ourselves to what we worship.

vv. 16–18—The Lord’s Supper is the enduring symbol of the church’s union with Christ. The Lord’s Supper joins believers together to Christ. While there are many believers, the one bread brings the many together as one body joined to Christ.

“Participation” is a term used four times in this passage. It is the Greek term κοινωνἰα (koinōnia). This term conveys the idea of fellowship, partnership, and sharing. It is a deeply personal term. Here it is used to describe how the Lord’s Supper personally connects us with Christ to participate/share with Him. But in the next section, it is used to talk about how idols link us together with demons.

vv. 19–22—Israel is again referenced as an illustration. While some think this may be a reference to their sacrificial system, the wilderness generation committed idolatry and sexual immorality, akin to what Paul is calling the church to flee. Likewise, in Deuteronomy 32:–16–17, Moses recounts how the people provoked God to jealousy as they sacrificed to demons. Idols are nothing; demons are real. If Israel was not stronger than God, what hope do we have in prevailing over Him?