1. This verse reveals some important information that will help us as we endeavor to run the Christian race. 2. We need to study this information as we begin a New Year, and we need to keep it in our minds throughout the year. 3. We are placing special emphasis on the fact that "God is faithful." 4. In our lesson we will: a. examine this verse in its context b. examine how Paul practiced the things he wrote in this verse.
Discussion:
I. LET US FIRST EXAMINE 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 IN ITS CONTEXT
A. In vs.1-14 Paul wrote about God's dealings with the Israelites as they traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land. B. According to vs.6 & 11, this information was written for our benefit. C. We learn from vs.1-4 that God demonstrated His faithfulness by blessing the Israelites abundantly. D. However, many of the Israelites never entered the Promised Land (vs.5). E. They committed the sins listed in vs.7-10, including idolatry, fornication, tempting the Lord, and murmuring. F. When they were tempted to commit these sins they did not trust in God's faithfulness to deliver them, and they sinned. G. Let us remember that: 1. God will not allow us to be tempted above what we can bear 2. God will provide what we need to bear the temptations we face. H. As we face temptations throughout the year, let us depend upon God's faithfulness (see also Matthew 6:13a; 2 Peter 2:9a). I. Let us see how . . .
II. PAUL PRACTICED THE THINGS HE WROTE IN 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13
A. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 we see this in the way he dealt with his "thorn in the flesh." B. This thorn in the flesh was given to Paul in connection with "the abundance of the revelations" (see vs.1-6). C. This thorn in the flesh came from Satan, and Satan's intention was to use it to "buffet" Paul. D. Paul trusted in God's faithfulness. 1. (vs.8) He asked the Lord to remove his thorn in the flesh. 2. According to vs.9, Paul accepted the gift that God gave him to help him bear this temptation -- "grace." 3. Paul understood the purpose for his thorn in the flesh -- it kept him from being "exalted above measure" (vs.7). 4. Vs.10 indicates that Paul understood the benefits associated with God's faithfulness. E. If the Israelites had followed Paul's approach in dealing with Satan's temptations, they could have avoided sinning against God and being kept out of the Promised Land.
Conclusion:
1. As we go through 2018, let us remember that "God is faithful." 2. Let us also remember that He will provide the blessings we need so we can resist temptation and remain faithful to Him.
