Resisting Demonic Power
We might think that Paul's admonition to avoid meat sacrificed to idols does not apply to our current culture. But in fact, the caution is still relevant to us today. Ancient peoples believed that the god to whom they offered their meat would enter it. When they ate the meat, they assumed the god would enter them. As all idolatrous worship is demonic, these people were opening themselves to demons. While our country may be free of this practice, we can certainly agree that there is a lot of idolatry around us today. And many of God's people are involved in things that open them to influence by demonic forces—pornography, dance clubs, bars, or worthless television shows.
The apostle Paul told the Corinthians that they could not partake of the Lord's Table—the communion cup and bread—if they were also feasting on idolatry. By accepting the Lord's Supper, we are participating in a communion with the One whose body and blood are represented. We do not have any business taking part if we are involved with anything impure in our life.
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A feast begins with a single bite, so we must be careful to make right choices regarding our activities and thoughts. When you are faced with a questionable opportunity, ask yourself, Will this activity bring glory to God? (1 Corinthians 10:31) Will it help me in my Christian walk? Will my participation have the potential to enslave me? And the most important question we can ask: Is this activity characteristic of God or of the world?
