1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Introduction:
1. In a span of fourteen verses, Paul wrote two of the most terrifying verses in the Bible for me (1 Corinthians 9:27; 10:12).
2. In the first, he spoke of his self-discipline out of concern for falling short himself; in the second, he warned all who feel strong of the danger of falling.
3. Sandwiched in between, he recounted Israel’s failure in the wilderness as a demonstration of the danger in view.
Discussion:
I. The Potential for Apostasy
A. The possibility of falling from grace is undeniable from the biblical text.
B. This is one of a stack of passages warning against turning back to sinful practices (Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 6:4-6; 2 Peter 2:20-22).
C. My greatest fear from this is the potential ignorance of the one near falling (vs. 12).
D. Thankfully, the consistent biblical pattern is to reassure the true disciple (Hebrews 6:9; 10:39).
II. Steps to Avoid Apostasy
A. Remember what happened to them (10:1-11; cf. Romans 15:4; Hebrews 3:7-4:11).
B. Know it can happen to us too and keep our wits about us (1 Corinthians 9:27; Galatians 6:1; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Ephesians 5:15-17; 1 John 1:8-10; 1 Peter 5:8-9).
C. Know our temptations are common (Matthew 4:1-11; 26:36-46; Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:14-16).
1. Our Lord faced the same trials we do.
2. Every one of us faces similar temptations.
D. If our discussion ended here, we would be left in a state of fear and uncertainty.
III. Assurance to Overcome Apostasy
A. God will not allow us to be overwhelmed.
1. Jesus said no one is able to snatch His sheep from His hand (John 10:27-29; Romans 8:35-39).
2. God will not let Satan overwhelm His people (cf. Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6; Hebrews 2:17-18).
B. He provides the escape (Ephesians 6:10-18).
1. It begins and ends with His word (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10; Colossians 3:16; Romans 1:16-17; 1 Peter 1:22-25).
2. We must humbly submit to God and fiercely resist the devil to conquer temptation (James 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:6-9).
3. Finally, we must accept the help of fellow Christians (Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20; Jude 23).
Conclusion:
1. Satan has so many devices to pull us away from God.
2. The solution is neither to bury our heads in the sand nor to cower in fear.
3. The solution is to take a clear-eyed view of the world, including ourselves, heed the warnings, and live beside the Lord’s escape hatch.
4. Are you taking heed to yourself today?
5. If not, you’d better get to the business at hand.