In this sermon we cover more of Paul’s application of key events during the time of the wilderness wanderings under Moses. 1 Corinthians 10:7-10 there are four parallel expressions which serve as warnings to the church at Corinth. This sermon begins with the fourth warning: we must not grumble as some of them did.

The key issue is discontent with God’s supernatural provision. We cite various passages which reference such grumbling. God had answered the prayers of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when they cried out to Him while in slavery under Pharaoh. God’s deliverance from Egypt is a key event in Salvation history. Paul’s warnings are grounded in the fact that despite the powerful miracles, guidance, sustenance, and direct revelation through Moses, the people complained bitterly.

They even wanted to go back to Egypt. We cite various Bible verses which contain these statements. These events, Paul says, happened for our instruction. We are those during these last days (the church age) upon whom the ends of the ages (10:11) have come. Paul uses the solemn warnings to keep any one of us who learn these lessons to beware of the sin of presumption.

Thinking we stand firm in the faith must be grounded in true faith and obedience, not merely the presence of spiritual experiences. The wilderness generation had many profound, spiritual experiences but most fell under God’s judgment.

When we long for the tangible pleasures such as the pagan temples in Corinth offered those warned by Paul, we are in serious danger. Paul tells his readers that there is a way out and that way is grounded in the faithful God who keeps covenant.