Holy Week · Maundy Thursday · Year B
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
Warnings From Israel’s History
March 25, 2027
Overview & Insights
“These things happened to them as an example... Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:11-12)
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” Using an example from the Hebrew Scriptures, Paul compares the self-confidence of the “strong” (chap. 9) to the attitude of the Israelites, who, in spite of having experienced God’s mighty salvation through the sea, grumbled about their new situation. Instead of thanking God, they violated their covenant and put God to the test. Their example is a warning to the Christ followers who think themselves strong enough to participate in pagan feasts. Like the Israelites of old, they too might find themselves overcome with temptation. The God who gives freedom is also a jealous God who punishes all who participate in idol worship. Interpretive Insights 10:1 For I do not want you to be ignorant . . . that our ancestors.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Enduring Word Bible Commentary 1 Corinthians Chapter 10 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik on the cup of blessing and the one loaf as communion in the body and blood of Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:16 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentaries on koinonia in the body and blood of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 10 Commentary Precept Austin
Verse studies on participation in the Lord's table over against idolatry.
Background & Word Study
Paul's warnings in 1 Corinthians 10 - Psephizo Psephizo · Ian Paul
Ian Paul's exegetical discussion of the one loaf, the one body, and the Lord's table.
1 Corinthians 10:16 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek-English interlinear (koinonia, artos, poterion) for the communion text.
Book of 1 Corinthians Summary (Overview Video) BibleProject
Animated overview of 1 Corinthians and its call to unity in Christ.
1 Corinthians - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the Corinthian correspondence (background only).
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why recall Israel's wilderness story?
Israel was baptized in the cloud and sea yet fell in the desert; Paul holds this up as a warning against presumption, promising that God gives a way of escape from every temptation.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on Mark 14:12-26
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.