Christians Must Avoid the Israelites' Mistakes - 4 (1 Corinthians 10:9)
Introduction:
1. In 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Christians are given some very important instructions that are based on God's dealings with the Israelites. 2. Some general matters are discussed in vs.1-6. a. According to vs.1-4, God blessed the Israelites by delivering them from Egypt, by providing food and water for them, and by providing direction and protection for them. b. We learn from vs.5, however, that God was not pleased with many of the Israelites, and He prevented them from entering the Promised Land. c. In vs.6 Christians are admonished to avoid the mistakes of the Israelites. 3. More specifically, we are shown: a. in vs.7 that Christians must not be "idolaters" b. in vs.8 that Christians must not "commit fornication" c. in vs.9 that Christians must not "tempt Christ." 4. When the Bible speaks of man being tempted, it may refer to: a. an enticement to commit sin (James 1:14) b. a trial of one's faith (James 1:2-3). 5. When the Bible speaks of God or Christ being tempted, it refers to a proof or test of their power, character, and patience (Exodus 17:1-2, 7; Psalm 78:18-19, 40-42, 56-57). 6. Since these instructions are based on events that involved the Israelites, let us first examine . . .
Discussion:
I. HOW CHRIST WAS TEMPTED BY MEN IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
A. To understand how the Israelites tempted Christ, we must remember that: 1. God promised to send His Angel to direct and protect His people (Exodus 23:20-25) 2. this Angel was Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). B. One occasion when the Israelites tempted Christ is recorded in Numbers 21:4-9. 1. Discouragement led the Israelites to tempt the Lord (vs.4-5). 2. The Lord sent "fiery serpents" that bit the Israelites, and many of them died (vs.6). 3. The Lord provided healing for His people (vs.7-9). C. When the law was repeated, the Israelites were clearly instructed to avoid tempting the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:16). D. On the basis of this information, let us next examine . . .
II. HOW CHRIST WAS TEMPTED BY MEN IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
A. (Matthew 16:1-4) The Pharisees and Sadducees tempted Christ when they wanted Him to show them a sign. B. (Matthew 19:3-9) The Pharisees tempted Christ when they asked Him about divorce. C. (Matthew 22:15-21) The disciples of the Pharisees and the Herodians tempted Christ when they asked Him about paying tribute to Caesar. D. (Matthew 22:35-40) A lawyer tempted Christ when he asked the Lord to identify the greatest commandment in the law. E. (John 8:3-11) The scribes and Pharisees tempted Christ when they asked Him about stoning the woman caught in adultery.
Conclusion:
1. The Bible shows that men have tempted Christ on many occasions. 2. Christians must avoid this mistake. 3. An important admonition for Christians is found in Hebrews 3:7-12.
