Because God is Faithful
1 Corinthians 10:1–13
Pastor Joshua Crutchfield
Part of The Gospel United Church—A Sermon Series Through 1 Corinthians
February 12, 2023

Lean into God’s faithfulness, and you will never fall away.

1 Corinthians 10:1–13

vv. 1–5—”I don’t want you to be uninformed” is a warning about not finishing the race. Israel’s “Wilderness Generation” serves as an example. They experienced baptism through the parting of the Red Sea and communion as God provided mana from heaven and water from rocks.

Jesus was the spiritual Rock. What is described of God in the Old Testament is now ascribed to Christ in the New Testament. (See Deuteronomy 32, where God is referred to as the Rock five times)

vv. 6–11—Verses 6 and 11 serve as bookends. They both refer to Israel as a “Type,” that is, Israel functions as an example for the church. And in this case, they are an example not to follow.

  1. Do not be an idolator (Exodus 32)
  2. Do not be sexually immoral (Numbers 25)
  3. Do not put Christ to the test (Numbers 21/Psalm 106)
  4. Do not grumble (Numbers 11, 14, 16, 20)

vv. 12–13—Presumption makes us susceptible to temptation. Temptation is not sin (Jesus was tempted). Temptation is the provocation to sin. But no temptation is original. What everyone experiences today was experienced yesterday.

Standing means persisting in the faith.

Falling means abandoning the faith (apostasy).

Enduring temptation is dependent upon God’s faithfulness and not our ability.

  1. He will not allow you to be tempted beyond measure.
  2. He will provide you THE way out.