NIGERIAN BAPTIST CONVENTION EEK DAILY (NBC) Saturday, September 2 DRINK WORTHILY

RBT: Ezekiel 23-24

Memory Verse: “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and drink the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's table and table of demons?” 1 Corinthians 10:21, NIV

Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22

10:14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. 

10:15 I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 

10:16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 

10:17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf. 

10:18 Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? 

10:19 Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, 

or that an idol is anything? 

10:20 No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. 

10:21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. 

10:22 Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy? Are we stronger than he? 

Some advertised drinks presented to consumers as good are alcoholic drinks in disguise. The packaging of such drinks and the accompanying images are capable of attracting a godly mind. However, the values we hold as Christians should not be compromised by worldly enticement. 

According to our text, the apostle Paul addressed the Corinthian Christians on the need to hold the cup of the Lord in high esteem. The “cup of the LORD” is a figurative expression for the blood of Jesus which He shed for the redemption of man. Paul condemned the practice of drinking from the cup and also partaking in feasts dedicated to idols. Such practice is contrary to the claim that Jesus is LORD. 

Believers have the sacred responsibility to practically live by what they believe. As a Christian, you shouldn't be identified with the drinking of alcohol. Some will mix soft drink and alcoholic drink in the name of moderation. This is not acceptable to God. You must avoid drinking anything that can lead to divine condemnation. Whatever you drink should be in honour of Jesus whose temple you are.

Insight: Whatever we do must be to the glory of God.

Prayer: LORD Jesus, please help me to do all things to expand Your Kingdom.