Take Heed

1 Corinthians 10:1–13 (NKJV)

1 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Paul moves from the discussion of vocational ministry into a discussion of the example of failure left by the children of Israel when they initially left Egyptian bondage. They saw the pillar of fire by night and the pillar of cloud by day. They ate the manna and drank water that came from a rock. However, they lived in sinful ways, for which God judged them on their journey. Eventually, all the adults were scattered in the wilderness, and the children plus the few faithful adults entered the Promised Land. After rehearsing this story, Paul then warns the people of the church at Corinth to be careful and aware. Just because you think you are safe and Godly is not a reason to get complacent or careless. Instead, Paul calls the church to diligence and circumspection. They must take care not to falter in their dedication to God. He gives them comfort that the temptations that come their way are not new, but common to man. Because of this, they are able to lean on one another to battle temptation. God has also promised to make a way of escape from their temptations if they will seek His face.

Seeing the sad example of the sins of the Israelites freed from Egypt, Paul calls his disciples to learn. Do not repeat the mistakes of your ancestors, but rather live holy lives that please God. No doubt, we are all tempted. Everyone faces situations that test their resolve. In our flesh we are unable to face the enemy and win, but God has made a way. He is the Way of escape, He is the Waymaker, and He will show you that way if you call upon Him. Don’t fail, because the resources to succeed, to win, are within you grasp. Call on the Lord in your weakness and He will see you through. He will help you bear it. But take heed and watch for temptation, so that you do not fail to recognize that temptation and fall into sin. Stand strong in the Lord and you will succeed!