Text: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters…
“For” links to what Paul has just written (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) about the need for self-discipline. He continues this theme in chapter 10. So, with that in mind, let’s start again:
For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters,
that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptised into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.
In the next few verses, Paul lists some sins that Israel was guilty of and that we too need to be careful not to commit (v. 7-10):
• Do not be idolaters
Covetousness (Eph 5:5), esp. mammon.
• We should not commit sexual immorality (Gk. porneuó)
To prostitute one’s body to the lust of another.
To give oneself to unlawful sexual intercourse.
• We should not test the Lord (to an extreme degree)
• And do not grumble.
The Greek word implies a smouldering discontent, droning on in a low, constant murmur (i.e., a whispering gossip).
And now, for the second time, Paul writes These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
And now the key verse that I want to unpack:
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy); he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
We have a Faithful God who will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.
Temptation is anything that entices us to sin and can be either external, internal, or a combination. Temptation is not a sin.
[Jesus] has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15). So, he can empathise with our weaknesses. Be encouraged. We’ll come back to Hebrews 4 later.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.
(NLT) The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.
1 Peter 4:12, “Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
This is vital for our victory because when we face temptation and testing times, it’s easy for us to feel alone in this battle.
Insert your own Notes.
Elijah (1 Kings 18-19) is a useful example of Paul’s point.
There’s an important life lesson here because it’s often after a major win or success that we are at our most vulnerable. Let that sink in. It’s vital to be aware of this and prepare accordingly.
1 Kings 19: Elijah was afraid and fled for his life… he sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said.
Later in the chat with God, Elijah says, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. (Pride). The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (1 Kings 19:10. Repeated in v.14)
“I’m the only one left who serves The Lord.” (But God informs him that there are 7000 others). This gets back to what Paul wrote: the temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. Elijah wasn’t the only one. When we’re tempted or have trials, let’s encourage ourselves with this fact: “I’m not the only one facing this.” We’re in good company.
We have a Faithful God who will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. But when we are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that we can endure it.
The faithful God gave Elijah several ways out of his temptations. After he said, “I have had enough, LORD,” Elijah fell asleep. When he woke up, the angel gave him food and drink (i.e., practical measures – not a dramatic or super-spiritual response but something deeply sensible).
When you face difficulties and enticements, ensure you’re getting enough rest and refreshment.
Good sleep increases our ability to make the right decisions, solve problems, control our emotions and behaviour, and cope with change.
Lamentations 3:22-23, The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Psalm 30:5, Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Rest, sleep and healthy eating are some of the ways God has provided for us to endure life’s challenges.
God also refocused Elijah on the community. You’re not the only one; there are 7000 others. God encouraged Elijah to move from isolation to fellowship.
Remember that the serpent tempted Eve when she was alone.
Connecting with others is even more vital when life is tough. Resist the temptation of isolation. Catch up with a friend or two, get along to your connect group, or join one. Visit the Get Connected stand or email connect@baysidechurch.com.au
We have a Faithful God who will provide a way out [of temptation] so that we can endure it.
Another way out is found in the verses we read earlier in Hebrews 4:15-16. The writer tells us that Jesus is able to empathise with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way as we are. On the basis of this, he says, let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
In God’s presence, we receive mercy and find grace.
Mercy: God does not give us what we do deserve.
Grace: God does give us what we don’t deserve.
We receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
One more “way out.”
Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
God is faithful to fulfil his promises:
2 Corinthians 1:20, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so, through him, the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.”
There are 8,810 promises in the Bible. 7,487 of them being promises made by God to people.
Yes – an emphatic declaration.
Amen – most assuredly, let it happen, God of faithfulness.
When you’re experiencing trials and temptations, seek a promise in the Scriptures that pertains to your situation (ask). Then hold onto that promise because it is Yes” in Christ. And speak the “Amen” affirming your faith in your faithful God.
Discussion Questions
Share an experience of temptation or difficulty that you have faced and how you overcame it. What “way out” did you discover? (If members of the group are currently confronted with trouble, listen to them and pray for them.
Revisit Paul’s sin list (1 Corinthians 10:7-10). How could we be tempted by these things? For example, we tend to think of Idolatry as worshipping an image, but what could modern idolatry look like? Consider Ephesians 5:5 in your answers.
Discuss: “It’s often after a major win or success that we are at our most vulnerable.” Share personal examples.
God promises to provide a “way out” of temptation. I’ve suggested things like rest (sleep) and refreshment (food and drink), connection with others, prayer (approaching our God of grace and mercy), and holding onto a promise from God. What other ways have you found God to provide a way out for you?
The writer of Hebrews uses Abraham and Sarah as a great example of holding unswervingly to our faith. Read and discuss Hebrews 6:12 and Hebrews 11:11. Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for the fulfilment of God’s promise. Discuss the importance of faith AND patience.