1 Corinthians 10:6-10
Growing up in a large family (I am the youngest of 6) we had plenty of life experiences to share. By watching each other do things, we were able to learn from each other. Whether it be how not to do something or using another’s trial run to accomplish a goal before them. Long story short, we took what we saw or heard and used it. The same thing is being taught here in chapter 10. Paul is speaking about the past mistakes of others and is trying to warn the church not to repeat these things. We see in verse 6 Paul states: “Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.”
We must understand Biblical wisdom is listening to God before experiencing the consequences. Now of course we are not going to hear an audible voice of God saying, “Don't do ______.” However, we do have the experience of others and God's word that can and should be used as a warning sign!
Paul goes on to call out some of these examples. In verse 7 he speaks about idols. We often think idol worship is just of statues but in reality, it's anything we put before God. Next, Paul calls out sexual immorality, he writes that in one day 23,000 of them died to sin! Then, Paul cautions the church not to test Christ. How often do we demand God to prove himself, rather than trusting that He is who says He is? Lastly, Paul writes about complaining and complaining reveals that our heart and mind have lost focus on God’s faithfulness.
Paul writes all this to warn the church of what happened to others when they failed in these areas. He gave them warning signs! All these should and still do apply to us! We must be careful not to be so ignorant of the things around us. We all know people and even ourselves at times that fail to listen and disaster hits like a brick wall. Let us learn from Paul’s words and learn from others so that we may not be tripped up with our sins. Let us walk faithfully with our Heavenly Father.
We must understand Biblical wisdom is listening to God before experiencing the consequences. Now of course we are not going to hear an audible voice of God saying, “Don't do ______.” However, we do have the experience of others and God's word that can and should be used as a warning sign!
Paul goes on to call out some of these examples. In verse 7 he speaks about idols. We often think idol worship is just of statues but in reality, it's anything we put before God. Next, Paul calls out sexual immorality, he writes that in one day 23,000 of them died to sin! Then, Paul cautions the church not to test Christ. How often do we demand God to prove himself, rather than trusting that He is who says He is? Lastly, Paul writes about complaining and complaining reveals that our heart and mind have lost focus on God’s faithfulness.
Paul writes all this to warn the church of what happened to others when they failed in these areas. He gave them warning signs! All these should and still do apply to us! We must be careful not to be so ignorant of the things around us. We all know people and even ourselves at times that fail to listen and disaster hits like a brick wall. Let us learn from Paul’s words and learn from others so that we may not be tripped up with our sins. Let us walk faithfully with our Heavenly Father.
Posted in Devotional