Day By Day 1 Corinthians 10
By Paul Rich
Opening Thoughts:
How do you cope with criticism? If you're anything like me, you can take it in small doses, and only from certain people. After all, I'm the King’s kid! So what could you possibly find in me to criticise?
1. Right path, wrong heart
Paul was throwing some heavy punches here. By referring back to the Israelites, he was able to compare current issues with old lessons. Moses led his people out of Egypt so, you could say, they were obedient in following God's leading. They participated in the miracles of the pillar of fire and cloud, and the parting of the sea; a type of baptism. But it seemed there was no repentance. Their hearts were still in Egypt and their old ways. The result was that a generation didn't make it to the promised land. In verse 6 we read, “Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.”
2. Old habits die hard
Idolatry, sexual immorality, testing the Lord, and grumbling - How many of these things would you find in today's churches if you looked hard enough? Sadly, too many. But Paul had to drive a point home if the Church of Corinth was to break free of the things that had the potential to destroy them. He named the areas that were offending God in the hope that there would be repentance. Verse11 states, “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.”
None of us is tempted beyond what we can bear. God always provides a way out. Furthermore, we have the promise in Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. So put on the full armour of God, and stand!”
3. Count the cost of your freedom
We share in the body and blood of Christ. We are one body. We have been invited to share in Christ's victory over death. We cannot sit at both the Lord's table and the table of demons. It's amazing how liberal today's Christian can be. "Times change", they say. "The Bible is too old", they say. "Today's law says, it's okay". And while this line of thought will get us top marks in today's society, what is it doing to us spiritually? What is it doing to those watching us?
I used to have a drinking problem. While I was working through recovery, it would hit me like a sledgehammer to see another Christian drinking alcohol. God has completed His recovery program in me, and I don't have a problem in that area any more. But for the sake of those who may be watching me, (and for myself), I choose not to drink. In verse 23 we read, “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial.” ‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything builds up. Paul emphasises the need to consider others; to seek the good of others.
Final Thoughts:
While we may have chosen the right path, it involves a close examination of our hearts.
The Israelites were an example to the church at Corinth, who set examples for today's Christians.
Firstly, old habits die hard, so work hard until they die.
Secondly, while the law in this day and age allows us to get away with all sorts of liberties, what's the cost? To ourselves, and those who may be watching? Verses 32-33, “Give no offence to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I also try to please everyone in everything, not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved.”
“...Lord, increase our faith!" - Luke 17.5
Opening Thoughts:
How do you cope with criticism? If you're anything like me, you can take it in small doses, and only from certain people. After all, I'm the King’s kid! So what could you possibly find in me to criticise?
1. Right path, wrong heart
Paul was throwing some heavy punches here. By referring back to the Israelites, he was able to compare current issues with old lessons. Moses led his people out of Egypt so, you could say, they were obedient in following God's leading. They participated in the miracles of the pillar of fire and cloud, and the parting of the sea; a type of baptism. But it seemed there was no repentance. Their hearts were still in Egypt and their old ways. The result was that a generation didn't make it to the promised land. In verse 6 we read, “Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.”
2. Old habits die hard
Idolatry, sexual immorality, testing the Lord, and grumbling - How many of these things would you find in today's churches if you looked hard enough? Sadly, too many. But Paul had to drive a point home if the Church of Corinth was to break free of the things that had the potential to destroy them. He named the areas that were offending God in the hope that there would be repentance. Verse11 states, “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.”
None of us is tempted beyond what we can bear. God always provides a way out. Furthermore, we have the promise in Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. So put on the full armour of God, and stand!”
3. Count the cost of your freedom
We share in the body and blood of Christ. We are one body. We have been invited to share in Christ's victory over death. We cannot sit at both the Lord's table and the table of demons. It's amazing how liberal today's Christian can be. "Times change", they say. "The Bible is too old", they say. "Today's law says, it's okay". And while this line of thought will get us top marks in today's society, what is it doing to us spiritually? What is it doing to those watching us?
I used to have a drinking problem. While I was working through recovery, it would hit me like a sledgehammer to see another Christian drinking alcohol. God has completed His recovery program in me, and I don't have a problem in that area any more. But for the sake of those who may be watching me, (and for myself), I choose not to drink. In verse 23 we read, “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial.” ‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything builds up. Paul emphasises the need to consider others; to seek the good of others.
Final Thoughts:
While we may have chosen the right path, it involves a close examination of our hearts.
The Israelites were an example to the church at Corinth, who set examples for today's Christians.
Firstly, old habits die hard, so work hard until they die.
Secondly, while the law in this day and age allows us to get away with all sorts of liberties, what's the cost? To ourselves, and those who may be watching? Verses 32-33, “Give no offence to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I also try to please everyone in everything, not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved.”
“...Lord, increase our faith!" - Luke 17.5
Posted in 1 Corinthians