Some Examples Written for Our Benefit (1 Corinthians 10:1-13)
Introduction:
1. The Bible teaches in Romans 15:4 that we can learn some very useful information from the Old Testament -- it was written "for our learning." 2. This principle is illustrated in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. 3. In these verses we read about "some examples written for our benefit." 4. Keep in mind that Paul dealt with some issues that: a. were reported to him (ex.: "fornication" -- 5:1a) b. the Corinthians asked him to address (ex.: "eating food offered as sacrifices to idols" -- 8:1a). 5. By referring to several events in the Old Testament, Paul was showing why Christians must abstain from sinful activities such as fornication and idolatry. 6. He began by pointing out that . . .
Discussion:
I. GOD RICHLY BLESSED THE ISRAELITES (vs.1-4)
A. (vs.1-2) God blessed the Israelites as they began their journey to Canaan. 1. (vs.1) They were all "under the cloud" (Exodus 13:21a). 2. (vs.1) They "all passed through the sea" (Exodus 14:21-22). 3. (vs.2) They "were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea." a. A parallel passage is Hebrews 11:29. b. Under the leadership of Moses, when the Israelites passed through the Red Sea they were separated from the Egyptians, and they were given a new life. B. (vs.3-4) God continued to bless the Israelites as they traveled toward Canaan. 1. (vs.3) They all ate "the same spiritual meat" [manna -- Exodus 16]. 2. (vs.4a) They all drank "the same spiritual drink" [water -- Exodus 17]. 3. (vs.4b) Christ the Rock went with them on their journey (Exodus 23:20-21). C. God richly blessed all the Israelites who left Egypt; unfortunately, . . .
II. MANY OF THE ISRAELITES TRANSGRESSED GOD'S WILL (vs.5)
A. (vs.7) Some of them practiced idolatry [the golden calf -- Exodus 32]. B. (vs.8) Some of them committed fornication [women of Moab -- Numbers 25]. C. (vs.9) Some of them tempted the Lord [complained about the manna and a lack of water -- Numbers 21]. D. (vs.10) Some of them murmured [about the rebellion of Korah -- Numbers 16]. E. Because of these sins, . . .
III. MANY OF THE ISRAELITES WERE KEPT OUT OF CANAAN
A. The idolatry mentioned in vs.7 resulted in about 3,000 dying (Exodus 32:28). B. The fornication mentioned in vs.8 resulted in the fall of 23,000. C. The tempting of Christ mentioned in vs.9 caused many to die (Numbers 21:6). D. The murmuring mentioned in vs.10 resulted in 14,700 deaths (Numbers 16:49). E. Although God blessed all the Israelites who left Egypt, many of them sinned as they traveled to the Promised Land, and they were kept out of Canaan.
IV. WHY SHOULD WE STUDY THIS INFORMATION?
A. See vs.6. B. See vs.11.
Conclusion:
1. We begin our journey to heaven when we are baptized (Galatians 3:27). 2. God blesses us richly as we make this journey (Ephesians 1:3; James 1:17). 3. God wants us to serve Him faithfully -- this includes abstaining from sins such as idolatry, fornication, tempting the Lord, and murmuring. 4. Those who are overcome by sins such as these will be kept out of heaven just as many of the Israelites were kept out of the Promised Land. 5. The instructions given in vs.12-13 will help us remain faithful to God. a. (vs.12) We must trust in God rather than ourselves. b. (vs.13) We must look to God during the time of temptation.
