Episode 193 - "Learn from the example of others" - 1 Corinthians 10:6-13

1Cor. 10:6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

This section begins with a dire warning and ends with strong encouragement. If you read or listened to last week’s post, you know Paul is talking about the Israelites who came out of Egypt. Even though they had witnessed God’s miracles, observed his presence in the cloud that led them during the day and the pillar of fire at night, and provided for them, they repeatedly disobeyed God and complained. You may want to read Exodus 32 to understand the historical context of what Paul refers to. They were idolatrous, self-indulgent, and immoral. God did not tolerate it. The repeated disobedience by the Israelites prevented most of them from entering the promised land. One should not get the idea that God was just waiting for them to slip up in order to punish them. Rather, he was often very patient and provided a means for them to return to God’s blessing and protection. (See Numbers 21:4-9)

Notice what Paul says about these historical events. He says that “these things took place as an example to us” (v. 6) and “they were written down for our instruction.” (v.11). What is Paul saying? It appears that Paul is suggesting that God allowed the Israelites the liberty to make these bad choices and inspired these events to be recorded so that perhaps we might not make the same bad decisions. There is some deep theology happening here. We call this God’s “providence.” James 1:13 makes it clear that God does not tempt people with evil. He continues to say the primary source of temptation comes from one’s own desires. This means that God will not necessarily stop us from exercising the will he’s given us, even if we use that will to do something God would not have us do. In this case, Paul suggests that God allowed these Israelites to do what they wanted and experience the consequences so that we would look at it and say, “I don’t want to follow their lead.” Personally, I find this encouraging that God was looking out for us thousands of years ago, long before I was born.

The importance or urgency Paul attributes to this warning becomes clear at the end of verse 11. Speaking of himself and the Corinthian believers but including us today he says, “On whom the end of the ages has come.” Paul clearly believes that Christ could return any moment, and who would want to be caught by Christ living in an idolatrous, self-indulgent, and immoral way? If the Israelites were judged for their rebellious lifestyles during the Exodus, should we expect not to receive any discipline? Of course not.

Paul transitions from the warning to a word of encouragement and hope. Verse 12 essentially instructs us not to be prideful, but humble before the Lord. He follows it with a promise that while God allows people the freedom to make decisions in their life, God will step in to mitigate the severity of temptation so that you will not experience temptation beyond what you can handle. This means we must be humble in seeking God’s help and wisdom daily. Our minds need to be on Jesus and not on our own desires.

Prayer: Lord - Guide me today. Lead me in your wisdom and truth to live in a way that honors you.