14 So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols. 15-18 You are reasonable people. Decide for yourselves if what I am saying is true. When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ? And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body. Think about the people of Israel. Weren’t they united by eating the sacrifices at the altar?

19 What am I trying to say? Am I saying that food offered to idols has some significance, or that idols are real gods? 20-21 No, not at all. I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to God. And I don’t want you to participate with demons. You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too. 22 What? Do we dare to rouse the Lord’s jealousy? Do you think we are stronger than he is? (New Living Translation) English Standard Version Link

The question Paul was dealing with here was whether it was ok for Christians to buy and eat meat that came from animals which had been sacrificed to idols. Earlier in the letter he agreed that idols were not true gods, and eating such meat did not determine whether you were a true Christian or not. But Paul also saw a deeper issue involved. He points them to the fellowship meal they shared as believers (usually called 'Communion' in Churches today) and to the meat eaten from sacrifices offered by the Israelites. What was the common thread in those two events? (vs 15-18)

Paul saw them as a sharing in and identifying with the Lord, and also a sense of belonging and unity among those who participated in them. When believers partake of the bread and wine at communion they are proclaiming Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for sinners. So what was the danger if Christians at Corinth readily bought and ate meat from idol sacrifices? (vs 20-21)

Christians who were weaker in their understanding might think the idols were real gods, and It could give the impression to other people in the town that Christians served those gods too. But if Paul knew that the idols were not real gods (vs 19), why was he concerned about such idols? (First part of vs 20-21).

Paul said something there that he'd be heavily criticised for if he was in modern Western society today, and probably physically attacked if he said it in some Eastern countries. He says that behind every religion where idols are used - are demons! Tourists visit such countries today and admire its culture and idols, but don't realise that those people have been deceived by demonic forces. And Paul's challenge to the Christians in Corinth was: “What table will you choose to sit at – the one that speaks of Jesus Christ, or the ones that speak of demons?” He warns them also in vs 22 that 'flirting with demons' would stir up God's jealousy. (Yesterday's reading in Deuteronomy 6 dealt with that issue.)

Is this section of the Bible still relevant for Christians who live in the West and don't have any idols in their towns or homes? What do you think?

My opinion is that it still applies very much. In Ephesians 6:11-13 we read: “Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, - but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” There is still a battle going on in the world for the minds and hearts of people. It takes place through the books and songs that are written, the movies that are made, and the entertainments we are offered. So many of these things are clearly evil, yet loved by many. Which will we identify with? The demonic inspired content pushed by the media and even Governments – or the message and friendship of the Lord Jesus Christ. Which table do we choose?