Thursday, June 22, 2023
Overcoming Temptation Submitted by Kay Crumley
Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 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. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 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.
1 Corinthians 10:6-13
The verse we will focus on is verse 13. However, we need to look back to find how Paul got to that admonition to the early followers in Corinth. Verses 1-4 of this chapter identifies who he is referring to, the Israelites as they are fleeing Egypt. They had been led by Moses away from captivity by God’s hand. They had experienced His deliverance, guidance, and provision. Paul identifies their spiritual Rock was none other than Jesus Christ Himself. Yet, in verse 5, Paul declared that God was not pleased with them because of their perpetual disobedience and ungratefulness thus He allowed them to be defeated in the wilderness. Paul wrote these examples so that we, believers, will not do evil as they did.
In verses 7-10 we see why God was displeased, what evil they did:
1. Do not be idolators.
2. Do not indulge in sexual immorality.
3. Do not test Christ.
4. Do not grumble/complain.
Idols are those things we put before God. Anything that takes on greater importance than following His teaching and seeking Him first is an idol. Idols don’t have to be statues, physical things, but things or activities that have been given first place in our heart and mind and occupy our time and resources.
The list of examples of sexual immorality is long. We are to follow the principles set for us in the Bible of sexual purity.
Testing Christ is being disobedient, questioning His authority, seeking our own way rather than His purpose for our lives.
Grumbling is something for which most of us are experts. Complaining that we’re not getting what we want, not how we want it or as much as we expect. That is placing selfish desires first rather than seeking His will and purpose.
Sin has consequences. As His children, we are forgiven but not rescued from the consequences of our disobedience. What happened to Israel is included in Scripture as a warning for our benefit. The consequences are high for believers who follow the sinful example of Israel’s wilderness generation.
Be careful that you don’t think you are above being tempted or immune to temptations. We are all tempted, no temptation is new to man. Believers go through difficulties and are tested to allow us to learn to depend on God, to grow our faith in Him. The good news is that God is faithful. As Christians we are no longer slaves to sin. We can choose the right path; God will provide a way out. Through the Holy Spirit we can withstand temptation and pass the test. We must stay focused on Him and His teachings, remember that He is the God of all and remain humble to Him. Turn to Him, away from temptation, and He will enable you to endure.
