Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12
1 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert.
6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things 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 got up to indulge in pagan revelry." 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test the Lord, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.
11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
Observation: These verses give a great lesson about presumption. Here's a breakdown of the basic points:
Verses 1-4 ...our forefathers were all:Application: Here's the message: Just because you are part of a group in which God is moving and have witnessed and participated in some amazing spiritual experiences, don't assume you are OK. Each of us has a personal responsibility to live principled lives with purity and honor. If we compromise and fall into sin, no spiritual experience can negate or neutralize the consequences of the sin and the judgment we deserve.
1) under the cloud
2) passed through the sea.
3) baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.
4) ate the same spiritual food (manna)
5) and drank the same spiritual drink (water from the spiritual rock)
Verse 5: "Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert."
Verses 6-10 ...these are examples to keep us from:
1) setting our hearts on evil things
2) idolatry
3) sexual immorality
4) testing the Lord (i.e. doubtful and faithless questioning)
5) grumbling
Verses 11-12 "These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us ...so be careful!"
Prayer: Lord, keep me humble. I want to avoid the pride and arrogance that can so easily trip me up. May I always remember that I must take up my cross daily, or as Paul said, "die daily," if I am to stay in right relationship with you. May I put no confidence in "the arm of flesh," that is, my own strength and abilities, but may I always walk by faith in you. Bring strength and victory to my life as I walk in your strength and victory.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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