Christians Must Avoid the Israelites' Mistakes - 1 (1 Corinthians 10:1-6)
Introduction:
1. In 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, some very important instructions are given that deserve our careful attention. 2. These instructions are based on God's dealings with the Israelites. a. God blessed the Israelites in many ways: by delivering them from Egypt, by providing food and water for them, and by providing direction and protection for them (vs.1-4). b. However, God was not pleased with many of the Israelites -- they were not allowed to enter the Promised Land (vs.5). c. Christians are admonished to avoid the mistakes of the Israelites (vs.6, 11). d. Their mistakes included: 1) idolatry (vs.7) 2) fornication (vs.8) 3) tempting the Lord (vs.9) 4) and murmuring (vs.10). e. Rather than trust in ourselves, we are to depend upon God during the time of temptation (vs.12-13). 3. In the first of several lessons based on these passages, we are concentrating on the information presented in vs.1-6.
Discussion:
I. (vs.1-4) GOD RICHLY BLESSED THE ISRAELITES
A. Additional details of God's blessings are given in the book of Exodus. 1. God sent Moses to Egypt to lead the Israelites to Canaan (Exodus 3:7-10). 2. The Israelites eventually left Egypt after God afflicted Pharaoh and his people with the plagues (Exodus 12:29-38). 3. God provided direction for the Israelites by day and night (Exodus 13:20-22). 4. God parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could go through on dry ground (Exodus 14:19-22). 5. After the Israelites passed through, God destroyed the Egyptian army in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:27-31). 6. God provided food for the Israelites (Exodus 16:13-15). 7. God also provided water for the Israelites (Exodus 17:5-6). 8. God's Angel accompanied the Israelites (Exodus 23:20-25). B. Even though He richly blessed His people in various ways, . . .
II. (vs.5) GOD WAS NOT WELL PLEASED WITH MANY OF THE ISRAELITES
A. They "were overthrown in the wilderness." B. God caused the Israelites to wander in the wilderness until the older generation died (Numbers 14:26-35).
III. (vs.6) THESE THINGS WERE WRITTEN FOR THE BENEFIT OF CHRISTIANS
A. Even though God richly blessed the Israelites, they did not remain faithful to Him. 1. They participated in the sinful activities listed in vs.7-10. 2. God punished the Israelites by not allowing them to enter the Promised Land. B. To spend eternity in heaven, Christians must avoid the Israelites' mistakes. C. This principle is also stressed in Hebrews 3:7-19; 4:1.
