1 Corinthians 10

1 Corinthians 10 contains several key areas we need to look at.  The first part of the chapter contains Paul’s explanation of what happened too many during the time of Moses.  “These things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction”.  That is really what the Bible is about in general – a guidebook for how we are to live.  It is our example and is the instruction for our life.  You may have heard that BIBLE stands for basic instruction before leaving Earth.  It is how we know how we are to live.  And Paul call’s out what the real issues were for the people of Moses day:

–       “Idolaters

–       Sexual immorality

–       Put Christ to the test

–       Grumble”

These things caused people to die and be prevented from entering the Promised Land.  How do we view them today?  Unfortunately we almost don’t even slow down for these – and certainly many don’t consider them evil – not enough to cause God to wipe someone out or prevent their inheritance to the Kingdom.  But Paul says they are examples “that we might not desire evil as they did”.  We sometimes miss just how high God’s expectations are for us.

Paul then gives us a promise we all need to cling to.  “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”.  Did you catch the truth here?  NO means none – not one – absolutely nothing is such a temptation that we are not able – IF WE CHOOSE – to endure and choose God’s way.  There is no such thing as “the devil made me do it”.  That is not scriptural.  The devil may tempt you, he may whisper lies into your ear, he may make it very easy to sin – but the only way sin happens is we CHOOSE it.  Period.  And sin is NEVER God’s plan for us.  The key words here are “God is faithful”.  He never lets us fight the sin battle alone.  He always provides a way out.  He is cheering for us to choose His way.  But it still comes down to our choice.  The simplistic answer comes in the next few words: “Therefore, my beloved, flee …”.  Since God has already won the war and has given us a way to escape the temptation that the enemy will put in our path, our option is to flee.

We choose whether we look when we shouldn’t.  We choose whether we say something that should not be said.  We choose whether we act in a way that is ungodly.  We choose to cheat or steal or lie or grumble.  We choose……God never makes us nor does Satan.  Sin is a CHOICE.  And God’s plan is for us not to make that choice.  He has done all He can by giving us a way out – He promises that – so all that is left is our own free will.  What do you choose?

Paul ends the chapter with a couple more principles that we can use to make decisions on how we should live:

–       “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up”.

–       “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”.

You can ask yourself these couple questions when you are trying to make decisions on action to take.  Does whatever I am considering build up?  Does it help people come closer to God?  Will it lead them to the Cross?  And secondly – does it glorify God?  If Jesus was right here with me right now – what would I do?  Truth is – He is – and He knows – and we need to choose like that.  Does it build up and does it glorify God?  Two key principles that can help us in our decision making.  Put these two along with his guidance in chapters 6 and 8 – will it enslave me and will is cause a brother to fall – and we have four very valuable ways to help make decisions around God’s desire for our lives.  Are you choosing to live God’s way?  He has given us the Book to follow.  He has shown us the examples.  All that is left is for us to choose to live His way!