DCLM Daily Manna 26 April 2024 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — No Dinner With The Devils!
TOPIC: No Dinner With The Devils! (DCLM Daily Manna 26 April 2024)
KEY VERSE: “But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils” (1 Corinthians 10:20).
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 10:18-33 (KJV)
18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.
25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
26 For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.
27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
28 But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:
29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?
30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
MESSAGE:
The attempt to create an alternative object of worship drives human beings into idol worship. Most people, even so- called Christians, do not know when and where to draw the line in their relationship with friends and relatives who have signed up to this repugnant way of life. Because they seek to be nice and remain in the good books of everyone, they allow their friends and neighbours to draw them into idol worship. They lack the knowledge and courage to avoid relationships and friendships that will lead them to dine with devils.
While Christians are not expected to be detached completely from the communities where they live and are to freely interact and associate with others, Apostle Paul by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit here sets a limit to the extent of such relationships. In this passage, Christians are thus admonished to apply wisdom in order to avoid cultural influences and traditional practices that have the undertone of idol worship. They should be knowledgeable enough and courageous to shun idolatrous festivities and sacrifices. Taking part in these feasts amount to having fellowship with devils.
Although we must support religious tolerance for peaceful co-existence, that does not warrant the believer to support idolatrous and satanic worship. We are not to sanction and approve their practices nor give any form of support, whether monetary or technical to them.
When we refuse to participate in their worship, it also helps the light of Christ in us to shine more brightly and lead them to find the true path to the worship of the living God mediated through Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life!
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Getting involved with idolatrous practices contaminates our fellowship with God.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Psalms 139-150
Deeper Life Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
