Examples

I Cor. 10:6

Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.

 

Even though Israel was God's chosen people and all ate the same spiritual food, drank the same spiritual drink, followed the same leadership of Moses, and drank from the same spiritual rock, the Rock Christ Jesus, they did not seek to please God nor was God pleased with them. The record of their lives was given to us that we might not desire evil as they did.

• Do not be idolaters as some of them were, as it was written, the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play. Israel valued and enjoyed a different lifestyle than they should have. Consumed with pleasures, their lives were filled with playing, in fact, most times playing with other gods, the gods of the people they were to drive out but neglected to do so. Idolatry is a serious thing. Colossians equates covetousness with idolatry. Certainly the Israelites coveted the gods and the lifestyles of these heathen people so much that they chose that lifestyle instead of a life with God. What is deep in my heart? Is there a root of covetousness?
• We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. Sexual immorality is a mainstay of our culture today. Sadly, many Christians have fallen into this trap, a trap that includes porn, off-color movies and TV shows, on-line relationships, illicit relationships, same sex relationships and extra and pre-marital relationships. With so much to choose from, it's easy to see why the world makes the choices that it does. But what about believers? What about me? Do I ever watch an off-color sit-com and laugh?
• We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents...  I would think that putting Christ to the test would be disobeying His clear commands. In the case of Israel, it was the word given by Moses. But in our case, it is the written word which we all have in great abundance. How many times have I been convicted and then not followed through? How many times have I been fearful or even unaware of sharing Him with those that God has brought in my life.
• ...nor grumble as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. I would think that grumbling comes from discontent. We are displeased with the lot that God has given us whether it is poverty, illness, persecution, etc. So the fleshly response is grumbling not praying. These areas that cause grumbling could just as easily be areas that could cause growth.

Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction...Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. God is asking for some serious examination, repentance, and forsaking sin. He has promised that 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. What a glorious promise! I don't have to fall prey to idolatry, sexual immorality, grumbling, or even putting Christ to the test. God has given me a way of escape when the temptation seeks to bring me down.

 

Father,

Thank You so much for this great promise! Convict my heart when temptations are sneaking in my life and taking root. Open my eyes to see them clearly.

In His name,

Amen