Scripture:
1 Corinthians 10:9-13 ESV
[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.
Observation:
I’m going to be honest and say I struggled with what to write on this morning. Turns out I have a lot on my mind. I landed here in 1 Corinthians 10… I hope I can. Do it justice.so let’s dig in. Paul was writing to these people because they seemed to be having a lot of problems. From lawsuits against other believers to sons having sex with their step moms and bragging about it. I know that’s a lot right out the gate, but it’s what was going on. Correction was needed. Paul knew the grace that Jesus had died to provide for them and wanted them to understand it as well. He wanted the Corinthians to know that although grace was available for all… it was not to be tested. Giving some examples from the Old Testament, he explained how even though GOD had brought HIS people out of Egypt, there were some of them that did not make it to the promised land. Falling to the sin of grumbling against their GOD and father. The destroyer was sent and took out a large number of the Israelites. Not to mention the snakes that were sent when they seemed to test the LORD. Paul explains how these things were done so that we could have an example of what not to do. Verse 12 is really kind of an eye-opener. At least for me, it is. “Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” This statement to me says that the Corinthians may have thought they had a reason to grumble and complain, but honestly, GOD knows best. Being in a tough spot doesn’t give them a right to complain. It gives them a reason to turn to GOD. Finally, the core of the message this morning. Temptation happens. It’s a common thing. Knowing that is valuable and Paul was clear with his guidance that when they were tempted, they needed to start seeking what GOD would have them do. Because HE will not allow the temptation to be so great that they were unable to withstand it, not to mention that if it did become a little heavier than they thought, they could withstand GOD would always provide a way of escape.
Application:
I would love to say I have this all figured out… but honestly, I don’t. At times, I still don’t understand why GOD doesn’t do things my way. Then I remember HE sees so much more than I do. My job is to trust that HE has me right where HE wants me to be. Complaining about it will just make not only myself but others miserable as well. Nothing happens in GOD’S world by mistake. What I do know is that GOD tempts no one. The Bible tells me that. Our faith, however, will be tested. We can see that is more than one place in the bible. There are times in my life when I have been tempted, and I fell to the temptation. That’s not because GOD was unable to deliver me from it. Because HE could have. The reason I fell is because when it felt like the door shut, I was not looking for a window. To put it to you in simple terms, I fell because I wanted to. GOD does not tempt us. In the book of James, we see where temptation comes from, and honestly, you can blame it on the enemy if you want to, and you wouldn’t be completely wrong. However, Jane’s tells us that temptation comes from our evil hearts’ desires. So, in other words, we do it to ourselves. The devil just capatlizes on it. By feeding it with lies and deceit. Over the years and through many falls. I have found some ways to overcome temptation windows that the LORD has opened up for me. One of them is to just pray. Tell GOD what’s going on. Ask HIM for help. HE does not want to see you fall into sin and wants you to rely on HIS strength when you are weak. Remember, HE will not let you be tempted beyond your ability to withstand it. Another way to overcome temptation that I have found is to tell someone. The enemy loves a good secret… and when you bring light to it, his power goes away. Changing the way you think. Is another good way. Over the years, I have been able to write a lot of scripture on my heart. It’s there when temptation comes. It’s my weapon against it. Because greater is HE that is in me than he that is in the world. We can spend a lot of time trying to fight a battle that has already been won. Or we can still be and know that GOD is fighting for us. So when in doubt of what to do…do nothing. Let GOD have it. HE is better equipped to fight. There are so many ways to overcome temptation. All we have to do is look. The LORD is always right there. HE will never leave us, nor will HE forget about us. HE has given us victory if we are willing to turn to HIM in our weaknesses. HIS strength will always prevail.
Prayer:
Father, your plan is perfect. Your path is straight. You are always with us even in our temptation. You have not left us to the wolves. This morning, we just want to thank you for always providing a way of escape. We pray that you would help us to see all the windows for us to escape from. Let our eyes be fixed on living for you. Change our way of thinking. So that we can see you in all things. We want to live the example you gave us through your son. We know that you are our answer. So keep our eyes fixed on you in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray, amen.