Christians Must Avoid the Israelites' Mistakes - 6 (1 Corinthians 10:11-13)
Introduction:
1. In I 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. Christians are admonished in vs.6 to avoid the mistakes made by the Israelites. 3. More specifically, Christians must not: a. be "idolaters" (vs.7) b. "commit fornication" (vs.8) c. "tempt Christ" (vs.9) d. "murmur" (vs.10). 4. Vs.11 states again that this information was written for the benefit of Christians. 5. To avoid these sins, as well as others, we must understand how temptation works. 6. Some helpful information concerning temptation is presented in vs.12-13.
Discussion:
I. (vs.12) A CHRISTIAN MUST NOT THINK HE CAN STAND ALONE
A. One who thinks he can stand alone against sin needs to "take heed." B. Solomon showed years earlier in Proverbs 16:18 that such pride will result in a fall. C. Peter's denial of Christ illustrates this principle (Matthew 26:33-35, 69-75). D. Rather than try to stand alone, . . .
II. (vs.13) A CHRISTIAN MUST DEPEND UPON GOD
A. The temptations faced by a Christian are not unique. 1. Others have faced the same temptations we face and have overcome them. 2. Jesus also faced them and overcame them (Hebrews 4:15). B. God will not allow a Christian to be tempted above what he/she is able to bear. 1. This principle is true because it is based on the fact that "God is faithful." 2. To illustrate, God limited how far Satan could go in tempting Job (Job 1:8-12; 2:3-6). C. God will make a way to escape so a Christian can bear his/her temptation. 1. God's willingness to help His child face temptation is also declared in II Peter 2:9. 2. Because God is willing to help, we should pray: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" (Matthew 6:13).
III. ADDITIONAL MATTERS RELATING TO TEMPTATION
A. The temptation process is explained in James 1:13-15. B. This process is illustrated by Eve's temptation in Genesis 3:1-6. C. Temptation can be overcome by hiding God's Word in the heart (Psalm 119:11; Matthew 4:1-11).
Conclusion:
1. The Israelites' sins kept many of them out of the Promised Land. 2. Christians must avoid these same sins because they will keep us out of heaven. 3. To avoid the sins of the Israelites, we must understand how temptation works, and we must depend upon God so we can overcome our temptations. 4. A great reward will be given to those who face their temptations successfully (James 1:12).
