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.

Episode 146 - "Endure trials, resist temptation!" - James 1:12-15

James 1:12   Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Let’s begin this study with a look at verse 12. Clearly, this verse continues with the theme of “trials.” James began in verses 2-5 with the instruction that the purpose of trials is to test our faith. The testing of our faith is to produce steadfastness, with the ultimate purpose of God perfecting our character for His purposes. In short, God’s purpose in allowing us to experience trials is in our best interest. 

James tells us in verse 12 that the person who “remains steadfast under trial” is blessed. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the church of Ephesus, writes that God is “blessed.” It seems that if James' understanding and use of the word “blessed” are the same as Paul’s, James is suggesting that the person who has remained steadfast under trial is demonstrating that God is actively working in that person’s life. The blessed God is conforming this steadfast believer’s life to reflect God’s character. That would be consistent with the idea that God used these trials to make us complete. Furthermore, when the believer has withstood the test, “he will receive the crown of life.” (v. 12) What does this mean? The imagery of a crown in this time and culture likely refers to a victor’s crown, a symbol of accomplishment. It might be easy to interpret this simply as receiving eternal life. However, since this is speaking of believers who have already received eternal life, it would seem that this is a reward from God beyond the gift of eternal life. Regardless of the specifics, it is a commendation by God upon the believer for withstanding the trial. 

In verse 13, the topic shifts to that of temptation. This seems like a natural and important qualification by James because it’s during trials that we may be tempted to sin. For instance, under difficult circumstances, someone may want to curse God. When God allowed Job to be tested by the devil, Job’s wife encouraged Job to “curse God and die.” (Job 2:9) Job’s response to her was, “Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” (Job 2:10) Job understood that it was God’s sovereign right to allow him to experience “evil” or trials in life as much as it was to give him the many blessings Job and his wife had received.

James has already established that God’s purpose in allowing us to experience trials in life is always for our good. Therefore, when he says, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one” (v. 13), James is clarifying that God never is seeking to make people sin. God is not sadistic. 

James continues by explaining that temptation comes when a person is “lured and enticed by their own desire.” (v. 14) This is the challenge we face in trials. Our flesh does not want to experience pain. Our pride does not want us to be humbled. Our pride and selfish desires provoke us to blame God when we should seek God’s help to endure the trials.

Notice how James draws a sharp contrast between trials and temptations in verse 15. Enduring trials results in a “crown of life.” Giving in to temptation results in death. 

Speaking about this last statement, I don’t believe James is suggesting that when a believer sins, they lose their salvation or eternal life. It was sin in the Garden of Eden that led to death. Obeying God leads to life. James’ point is to highlight the difference between enduring trials by trusting God rather than allowing temptation to arise within us and leading us to rebel and blame God.

Prayer: Lord, grant us strength and faith each day to trust that what you allow in our life is for our good.