Marsha's Musings: Sin; Temptation; Unselfishness;The Glory of God

1Co 10:7 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.

The actions and consequences of the Children of Israel are written as an example for us to learn from.  Some would say the Old Testament is obsolete and doesn't apply to us today because we are under grace. But Paul says differently.

There are three sins mentioned here, sexual immorality, tempting Christ (trying His patience to see how far He will let us go) and complaining..  All three of these sins are prevalent today in the Church (not meaning necessarily just the local congregation but all those who are Christians world-wide).  It seems to me that God is going to take the Church through a cleaning out process in the near future not unlike what he did with Israel in the wilderness when they sinned.

What strikes me, is that complaining is considered a grave sin, so much so that God destroyed a good share of the Israelites in the wilderness for it. How often do I complain?  I would wager a guess that every day there is something coming out of my mouth at least once or more in the form of a complaint. Discontentment is what it is. God thinks it is very ugly. I should too.

1Co 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

Do I think I am pretty good and don't commit those sins that God detests?  Think again. Don't be so puffed up about it~ the time I think I stand, I will commit sin. Just thinking I stand without sin is committing the sin of pride!  But for the grace of God, there go I.

1Co 10:13 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.

Interesting, I always thought this verse had to do with God getting me out of trials that are beyond what I am able to handle.  Somehow that didn't ring true though...there are physical trials that are beyond a person's capability to handle as we see some dying from them.  This verse has been misused, turning God into a vending machine God who will save you out of all your trouble.  No, that isn't what this verse is talking about at all. It comes in the context of moral temptation to sin.  God will not allow you to be put in a situation where you can not resist sin...He always provides a way of escape through the convicting of the Holy Spirit.  But it is our responsibility to make use of that way of escape and exercise self control as the Holy Spirit convicts us.

1Co 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

Here's the way of escape...FLEE from it!

1Co 10:23 ¶ All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
 
Seems I saw this concept in an earlier chapter.  I need to exercise self-restraint in those things that may be ok and good, but not particularly helpful in my life. Not all that glitters is gold.

1Co 10:24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well -being.

We are to live a life of unselfishness.  Sheesh, this speaks to me!  How does this play out on Facebook?

1Co 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Here's the whole point of the matter.  If I can glorify God, bring glory to His name by the thing I am about to do then go for it.  If God's name will not be lifted up and glorified in the thing, then don't do it.

1Co 10:33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Here's the great purpose for an unselfish life lived for the glory of God....for the spiritual profit of others that they may be saved.