1 Corinthians 10:20

But. say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and. would not that ye should have communion with demons.

'they sacrifice to demons' -now the Gentiles wouldn't admit this. Most idolaters, even modern ones, would be offended by the charge that they were serving the devil! But Paul, cites reality.

Points to Note:

1. While no real gods existed behind the idols, evil powers did! 'Idolatry, was, above everything, inspired by Satan.' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 865) Idolatry, like all forms of perverted Christianity are Satan's attempt to cloud the truth and turn people away from God. (2 Corinthians 11:13; 1 Timothy 4:1 'doctrines of demons')

2. All present forms of idolatry serve the Devil's purpose also.

'I would not that ye should have communion with demons' -'I do not want you to be partners with demons' (RSV)

'The implication is that when. person participates in the cultic meal to the pagan deity he has actually, though not intentionally. worshiped Satan..' (Willis p. 341)

'To gather as. body to commune with the body of Christ is to speak on behalf of Christ. To gather with idolaters to sacrifice to their gods (which are the product of the doctrines of demons) is to speak in favor of darkness..The believer is joining demons in the work of darkening the minds of men.' (McGuiggan p. 137)

Point to Note:

'Some today want to charge that sin is an attitude of heart; hence, one cannot mistakenly sin so as to be eternally lost. Yet, in this passage, Paul asserts that one can unintentionally become. partner with evil spirits and unintentionally worship Satan.' (Willis p. 341)