1 Corinthians 10 - 3.13.23

Scripture

1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭12-13‬ ‭NLT

“If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

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Observation

The Apostle Paul is writing the Corinthian Church here reminding them to learn from the mistakes of their ancestors, (who wandered in the wilderness of the desert for 40 years). God delivered them from Egyptian slavery. God split the Red Sea for them to walk across. He then guided them in the desert with a cloud, and fed them with water through a rock. What more can they ask for? Yet the people of Israel still fell into their temptations. From idolatry, to sexual immorality, to putting God to the test; the people of Israel were always finding ways to rouse God’s anger.

Instead of seeking God to thank Him and give Him praise for what He has provided and done for them, the Israelites found a way to complain about everything else. They only saw the negative things in their situation, which led them to be more susceptible to fall into their temptations instead of trusting God.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” -‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭

Application

There is always a way out.

Whenever you find yourself in a tempting situation, before taking that next step, may I suggest that you seek God first? Ask Him for help to deliver you from the situation. Remember the verse I chose today. Know that God is faithful to never allow the temptation to be more than you can handle. He always provides a way out, so be sure to find those “emergency exits.” Flee from sin. Learn from others (the Israelites’) mistakes. Don’t allow your fleshly desires to overcome your spiritual desires.

““Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.””-Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭41‬ ‭‬‬

Prayer

Father God, I pray that I always remember Your faithfulness. I pray that I seek You above anything else during those times I am tempted. May You show me those “emergency exits” to flee from sin and may I never look back. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi