Today’s Bible Reading:
Joshua 21-22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10
Topic: Temptation
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 10:11-13
11 These
things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us,
on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful
that you don't fall! 13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it. (1 Cor 10:11-13 NIV).
OBSERVATION:
In the verses just before this passage we find that “these
things” that happened to “them” (the Israelites) were consequences for sinful
behavior. Those sinful acts included idolatry, pagan revelry, sexual
immorality, and grumbling. The consequences was death by various means. It is
interesting that the lives of those who have gone before us have meaning beyond
their own lifetimes. “These things” that happened to the Israelites of Moses’
day certainly served as lessons to them, but it also had meaning to the
Christians of Paul’s day and to us today.
The history of what happened to
the Israelites as a result of their disobedience to God was recorded as examples and warnings to many
generations hence. Therefore, take heed! Do you think you have your act
together? Watch out! You could fall into the same trap and face dire
circumstances. You are no different that they were; your temptations are not
new to the human race. The good news is that in Christ Jesus you do not have to
die for your stumblings; you can overcome and stand up in the face of the
temptations you face.
APPLICATION:
There is a sinister spiritual reality present in our modern
world; in the guise of enlightenment it denies the relevance of godly values
given in the Bible. It disputes the validity of biblical precepts. It places
the determination of moral behavior in the hands of general consensus while at
the same time manipulating that consensus toward moral justification. It
coerces society to conform to its moral determinations which seem to be ever
devolving. It convinces individuals that behavior once thought sinful is
actually righteous. It traps people into believing there is no need for
repentance and forgiveness of sin. If I have no sin, I have no need for a
Savior. If God’s book is just a compilation of old fashioned ideas, give it no
credence. If we have progressed beyond the need for an antiquated God, do not
foolishly believe in Him; and ridicule those mentally deficient people who
still do.
Wow! What a insidious trap that tempts people into believing
they will be free when they are actually being lured into a deadly cage. Heed this
admonition: While the temptation of the world today is great, you do not have
to be sucked into it. God has provided a way for you to escape the trap. Wake
up! Open your eyes to see! Because if you get to the place where you truly
“think” you have it all figured out, you’re already in that cage.
PRAYER:
Lord have mercy on us. May your truth prevail in the hearts
and minds of men and women both inside of and outside of Your Church. Through
Christ. Amen. -AP
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