lessons from history

 

1 Cor 10:13 – Lessons from History

 

 

1.      In Vs 1-4, Paul reveals the following examples of history of the Hebrew people which are of note to the Corinthians and to us.

 

a.      The were under a cloud.  They had the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night guiding them  This was the visible presence of God.

b.      They passed through the Red Sea.  This was God’s care and protection. 

c.      They went through these acts and were baptised with Moses and the law.  This identified them with Moses and all he represented.

d.      They ate the same spiritual food.  This was the law and the physical food which was manna which translated means, “What is it?”

e.      They drank the same spiritual water that came from a rock which Moses struck.  This rock was a type for Christ.  He is the rock of our salvation, the boulder the builders rejected.  He is the Cornerstone and capstone.  He is the rock on which the church and our lives are built.

 

2.      In Vs 5-10, there are powerful warning for the Corinthians and us from this history.

 

a.      Even though they had all these examples it did not keep them idolatry, grumbling and rebellion.  The result was all of them perished in the desert. 

b.      There is a warning that even though God does all these things for, in and through you that does not mean our heart can be kept from evil, wrong and sinful choices.  God may sanctify us at the beginning, but sanctification, holiness and righteousness is a continual choice.  Being spiritual and anointed by God does mean you cannot fail or fall.

c.      Paul used the example of how the people asked Aaron to make them a golden calf after Moses had been away with God.  They then worshipped the idol and engage in deviant and unholy activity.  The result is they engage in intimate relationships with others than their spouses and the result was 23,000 died that day of the judgment of God.  There are always consequences to our actions.

d.      Paul uses two more examples.  He says they tested Christ.  They did it by speaking against the Lord and Moses and the judgment was poisonous snakes.  They grumbled and those that did were destroyed by an avenging angel.  Many scholars believe that the angel that led Israel in the desert was Christ himself. 

 

3.      In vs 11-12, Paul then begins to give the Corinthians and us lessons from history which should not and cannot be ignored. 

 

a.      In vs 11, Paul says three things.  First, these things he has mentioned are examples from history.  Next, they are warnings for us.  Not just the Corinthians but us today.  Thirdly, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.  This culmination is Jesus Christ.  He has come and He is now ready to come back. 

b.      In vs 12, Paul warns about the arrogance that you think you can stand firm because standing firm is a choice.  Be careful you don’t fall.  Paul is just reminding them they can fall, it doesn’t mean they will but guarding one’s heart is essential.

 

13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

 

1.      This verse is so powerful it reveals five important things for you to remember.

2.      No temptation that has overtaken you or is facing you is not one all mankind hasn’t faced.  Remember we have three main adversaries.  The devil, the world and us.  Everyone of us face this so don’t think it strange or that you are the only one going through this.

3.      God is faithful.  He will never leave or forsake you.  God is with you. 

4.      He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to endure.  You have God’s promise of divine help and rescue if necessary. 

5.      When you are tempted now noticed there is assumption that you will be tested.  Jesus was and so should you expect it.  God will provide a means of escape or a way out.  This is a promise. That you can endure it. 

6.      The reasons we are tempted are as follows.

 

A.     It is allowed for strength and helps us to develop character.

B.     It teaches us to respond godly, positively and turn any situation around for good.

C.      They are design to make us wiser, creative, resourceful, compassionate, and empathetic.

D.     It helps to destroy our own desires and selfishness.  It purifies and refines us.  It teaches us obedience. 

E.      It makes us more like Jesus because he learned obedience by the things he suffered.