1 Corinthians 10
Much of what we go through in our lives others have gone through in times past. There is nothing new under the sun and chances are the longer you live and interact with those around you the more you will find we all have in common and have been through similar experiences. Many people have gone through very difficult times in their lives for many various reasons, and for those that suffer with this hurt it can be a very difficult thing to overcome. We we see others going through a difficult time it should move us to act and help, this is the better route than ignoring others and isolating yourself. How often we think to ourselves in such self righteous ways putting ourselves above the struggles and pain that others experience. Life is going to be full of struggles and pain and eventually we will die. So what are we going to do with the time that God has given us here on earth?
Chapter 10 of 1st Corinthians starts out by giving us an example of those in the old testament to show us today what to be aware of so that we can avoid some of the same things others have gone through in the past. How discouraging it is at first glance to read about those who were scattered in the wilderness, performed evil acts, lusted and were tempted by idolatrous things, and died as a result of their behavior. However, at the word states in verses six and 11 “now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted” and “now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” So it becomes clear when reading about those that drank the water from the Rock that was Christ, the intent of these things was to lead people to a greater sense of (not themselves but) who God is and the relationship He desires to have with each of us.
Again the word states that these things were written down for us to warn us. Yes, to warn those who live at the end of the age. That age is now my friends, and today is the day of salvation from any and all of your idolatrous activities in which you currently find yourself struggling to get through. God encourages us in His word to live for Him, for others, and to live in an abiding life subject to His law and will for our life, not our own.
Do you lust after evil things? Do you lust in general over things that are not your own? Do you put too much emphasis on yourself and your needs and wants rather than on others? Do you commit immorality, yes even sexual immorality, and understand that what you are doing is wrong? Do you give in to temptation time and again knowing that what you are doing is not right? Or do you simply complain, perhaps even about those who have more vile or vulgar sins than you yourself have as was just mentioned? All of these things are sin in God’s eyes, and if we are not careful we may find that we are tempting Christ just as those in the old testament tempted Christ and in one day twenty-three thousand fell. We don’t want to find ourselves being destroyed, not by our own actions, not by the destroyer, and certainly not by the Lord Himself.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)
The end of the age has come, and if we are still standing, not 6 feet underground, we need to take heed lest we fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12)
Pride destroys everyone who is given in to it eventually. Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) So when we see others falling into temptation or sin we too need to be aware. Maybe we need to approach that person and confront the sin that they are committing.
Brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20)
If it is something we know we ourselves struggle with, its probably not a good idea to get involved in trying to be the savior of that person.
Brothers, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)
God has given us an “out” in every temptation we face. It could be as simple as a closing of the eyes, or a prayer to God, or a turn of the body in the opposite direction. Whatever we are faced with we need to be aware that “no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make they way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) This is why the verse immediately following this urges us to “flee”. We can flee physically by leaving the immediate area, we can flee emotionally by closing our eyes so we don’t witness something sinful, and we can even flee spiritually by lifting up a simple prayer to God.
And I said: “I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments, please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now…” (Nehemiah 1:5-6)
We also need to flee our own pride since that is probably the simplest sin to get engaged in and not even realize that you are in it before it is too late. How often do we do this, and before we know it we are stuck and have said or done something that we now regret doing? Much too often if I can say so myself. So, this requires a constant awareness of ourselves and others. The section of verses in first Corinthians ten verses fourteen to thirty describe our interactions with others in this life and how pride can so easily creep in to provoke us to sin, or provoke the Lord to jealousy.
Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? (1 Corinthians 10:22)
We are not stronger than God, let me just set that straight in case you were wondering and comparing yourselves to the God who created the heavens and the earth. We have no power other than what God has given to us. In the same respect, Satan – the enemy of the brethren, has no power other than what the Lord has allowed. So this should be encouraging to us, and this is where the chapter takes a most positive turn encouraging us in that whatever we do, we should be giving glory to God for it.
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
So it is my great pleasure to share this with you who are reading this now, that whatever you do you too can give glory to God for it. Understand this also, that my life is not perfect (far from it), but as you see myself and others doing what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy, you too can meditate on these things and begin to practice those things yourself.
Finally, brethern, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – mediate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
There is never going to be anything wrong with you putting your focus into others and helping a brother and sister in need. God will look highly on that, and I pray you would recognize the blessing of doing this act of love and service for others. You can do it my friends, and God will give you the strength and the power to accomplish His purposes in this present age!
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)