August 1
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GOD PROVIDES A WAY OUT WHEN WE ARE TEMPTED
6 Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they indeed craved them. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “THE PEOPLE SAT DOWN TO EAT AND TO DRINK, AND ROSE UP TO PLAY.” 8 Nor are we to commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. 9 Nor are we to put the Lord to the test, as some of them did, and were killed by the snakes. 10 Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let the one who thinks he stands watch out that he does not fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:6-13
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In this letter of Paul, he cautions the Corinthian believers on learning from the Israelites’ evil ways. He told them that they should not lust for evil things as the Israelites did. Paul enumerates the following evil things that they must not do:
• Do not bow down to other gods – As the Israelites did, they got impatient and took other gods to worship. Paul reminds them that this angers God.
• Do not engage in sexual immorality -As the Israelites did and 23, 000 fell in one day.
• Do not put the Lord to the test -As the Israelites did and were killed by snakes.
• Do not grumble -As the Israelites did and they were destroyed.
The reason why Paul is reproving the Corinthian believers and using the Israelites as an example is so that they will learn of the consequences of what craving for evil things will do to them. He reminds them that the things that the Israelites suffered from are lessons that every believer needs to learn from.
In verse 12-13, he warns those who think they are proud or they will fall. He also reassures the believers that no matter what suffering or adversities they face, let them not lose hope for God will provide a way out for all those who belong to him. It is a way for them to endure and thus grow their faith. Hopelessness and desperation is not something that God’s people engage in. A believer places their trust in the Lord.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to endure and not be hopeless in trials and suffering?