1 Corinthians 10: A number of the experiences of the Exodus generation under Moses to bring exhortation to the church at Corinth to not allow spiritual experiences to blind them to the dangers of lack of self-control.

The verses we cover in this sermon continue that theme. The mighty work of God to deliver Israel from Egypt and the supernatural provisions in the wilderness were evidence that God kept His promises to the Patriarchs.

Yet, most of those who experienced deliverance from Egypt were “overthrown” in the wilderness. This shocking reality is narrated in Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, the Psalms, Prophets, and also in the New Testament. This not only speaks to the inspiration of the Scriptures, but the historical reality of the events. In 1 Corinthians 10:6 Paul says that “these things happened as examples for us.”

Human nature has not changed nor have the temptations. This creates danger for believers and churches. Paul exhorts us to “not crave evil things.” The word translated “crave” is “lust” and appears in the Greek translation of the 10^th commandment.

This is a strong warning and pertains to Christians in any era of history including our own. We unpack a number of implications of the warnings against lust, idolatry, immorality, and the sin of tempting God. To put Yahweh to the test as the OT states it, is called “putting Christ to the test” in 1 Corinthians 10:9. One key point is that when Christians despise God’s provision and lust for the type of religious teachings and experiences the pagans of our day practice, we put God to the test. We should not think there will be no consequences for mimicking the pagans.

What God has provided for us is sufficient and we must be grateful rather than dissatisfied. In our applications we cite passages about the bronze serpent in Numbers and how Jesus alludes to it in John 3:14-16. The gospel application is that Jesus was “lifted up” to bring salvation to all who trust in Him.