Temptation Comes Even in the Presence of God's Grace
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 (NASB)
1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 and all ate the same spiritual food; 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness.
6 Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.” 8 Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. 9 Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. 10 Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed 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 him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who 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.
SUMMARY
Paul reminds the Corinthian church that the Israelites were all under the cloud; and all passed through the Red sea; and all ate spiritual food; and all drank from a spiritual rock. However, with most of them God was not well-pleased, for they were laid low in the wilderness. Paul urges the Corinthian believers not to crave evil things as the Israelites craved: do not be idolaters; do not act immorally; do not try the Lord; do not grumble. For what happened to the Israelites were written for our instruction. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
When the Israelites left Egypt, God parted the Red sea to rescue them. When they were in the wilderness, God guided them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. They received manna as their daily food. When they were thirsty, God provided them water from a rock. Miracles, signs, provisions, protection, and grace did not stop Israelites from craving evil things. Many fell into temptations of idol worship, immorality, disobedience, and complaints. Paul uses these examples to teach Corinthian believers to humble themselves and rely only on God. God will open a path for those who love Him and abides in Him to endure and escape from temptations. I thank God that there is so much wisdom in His Word to teach me every day. How wonderful it is to know and be reminded today that God will not let me be tempted beyond my ability so I may be able to endure it. God is faithful.
APPLICATION
With Covid-19 stay-at-home order, remote learning, working from home, and social distancing, as a mother for a kindergartener and a first grader, I find myself daily struggling with controlling my temper. I need to ask God to give me more wisdom and patience to endure. Verse 13 gave me a great comfort today that God will help me through this time as long as I hold on to His Word and follow His guidance to the escape route. I may not always be perfect, but His Word and His Spirit are my weapon to fight this battle. I shall not yield to temptation of anger. Also, not to be tricked by my arrogance that I can do this on my own. All the more, I need more Jesus. Every moment, I need Jesus.
PRAYER
Father in heaven, Thank you for your daily word. I cannot live without it. Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. Help me not to fall. I pray that my actions speak love to my children and Your grace covers my life. In the name of Jesus I pray.
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