Bible Chapter: I Corinthians 10

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    We find here illustrations for the church based on Israel’s experiences in the desert.  Paul called their deliverance a baptism with the picture of the cloud over them and the waters of the Red Sea on each side.  This helped identify them as the people of God.  Believers identify with Jesus in baptism as they go down into the water.
    It was easy for Israel going through the desert to set their hearts on evil things.  The church can just as easily be drawn to evil and we are given these examples as reminders for us to get as far away from participation in sin as we can.  God blessed them when they were faithful and judged when they weren’t.  The same message is for the church today.
    It seems from history that one of the evil one’s favorite tactics of entrapment is sexual sin.  Israel was drawn to idolatry that included pagan-type revelry (which included sexual orgies).  Sexual license still plagues the church today.  These warnings must be carefully heeded by believers.  Idolatry substitutes something for worshiping God and it often leads to corruption, immorality, and heathen pleasures.  God will not tolerate sin.
    When we think about the past failures of God’s people, we should be warned not to be overconfident. Even if we think we are standing firm, we can still fall.  So, we must remain in a close relationship with Jesus.  To do this we must flee idolatry.  We must have a holy fear of participating in anything evil, just as the Corinthians were warned about partaking in heathen feasts.  We cannot partake in sinful practices without it affecting our relationship with the Lord.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I can heed the examples Paul gave from Israel’s roller coaster spiritual ride.  I must heed the warning of verse 12. “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.” NLT.  No one can become afford to become overconfident in their spiritual walk but must continually rely on God’s power.  He is our strength.
    I also need to rest in the promise of verse 13 that I won’t be tempted beyond my ability to say no.  All temptation is common, so I must not fall prey to the lie that says I am a special case and God will permit me to sin because I deserve a little fun now and then.  Some times people sin because they feel they are a special situation and God understands what they are going through, so He gives permission to sin.  To that we must say, no, no, never, never.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I can help people understand the issues of temptation and the deceit that accompanies it.  Temptation must be viewed from the perspective of eternity.  How will I be impacted by my decision a million years from now?  We really need to think about life from that perspective.  I must help people see things the way God sees them.