1 Corinthians Chapter 10

This chapter begins with a throwback to the Israelites in the wilderness and reminds us not to follow in their footsteps.

“Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.” (1 Cor 10:16)

The Israelites lusted after evil things, became idolaters, committed sexual immorality, and grumbled against God (Num 11:4, Exo 32, Num 25). These were also the ones who were delivered by God multiple times. They were delivered out of their bondage by God. By the power of God they passed through the flood, and were sustained in the wilderness by God.

“Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.” (1 Cor 10:1-4)

Yet the conclusion of the first portion of this chapter is this:

“But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.” (1 Cor 10: 5)

As a result of their continual disobedience to God, they were destroyed (1 Cor 10:10).

If we think about it, are we not like these Israelites? We have been baptised into Christ and belong to Him. Time and time again, God delivers us and helps us through tough times. Yet we lose faith, complain and grumble against God in our difficulties. Some have fallen to sins such as sexual immorality and left the faith.

In history, many belonging to God have fallen to sin. Some of these are great men of faith, like David, who sought after the heart of God. Therefore Paul encourages,

“let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Cor 10:12)

We may feel tired of hearing the need to stay vigilant in our walk of faith. After all, haven’t we heard it so many times? However let us remember that the devil is walking about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet 5:8). We ought not to grow weary of hearing such reminders, as the devil is often on the lookout for people who might fall prey to him. The price to pay for falling into temptation is too great. Just as God did not spare the Israelites, He may not spare us either if we continue in disobedience (Rom 11:21-23).

Having been called by Christ, let us remember we are now part of His body (1 Cor 10:17). Our actions, good or bad, can affect other members of His body, including those weaker in faith. If we stumble, others may also stumble alongside us. Instead of stumbling, let us be determined to stand fast in the faith for the glory of God and edification of others in this body (1 Cor 10: 31-33).

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