First Corinthians 10:1-13
I have adjusted the cut off point to v. 13, and will address 14 on next time.
Paul's handling of the Old Testament is interesting here--the wilderness wandering of Israel in Exodus and Numbers is presented as an example of what not to do as Christian believers.
He notes that all of the Israelites were close to God through Moses and their wilderness expereinces (which include spiritual baptism, spiritual food, and an experience with the pre-New Testament Christ); yet, when they turned away to their own desires (immorality, pride, and complaining) they were severely punished. Paul hopes the believers in Corinth see how serious God is when it comes his people's obedience. When he runs out of patience, the consequences will be gravely serious.
So, Paul is encouraging the Corinthians not to press God's patience any further with their so-called "spiritual freedom." They think they are "standing firm," but Paul thinks they are close to being cast out into darkness and out of fellowship with God.
And thus, another well known verse comes into focus: v. 13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." God does not choose your response to temptation. You do. However, he has provided a way out of the temptation that will lead to salvation and spiritual strength. He will provide a way to stand in the face of evil. However, we must resolve in faith to follow God's way and not our own. Those who God will stand. Those who choose the world and its desires will be scattered.
So, one final question that will be addressed again in the future: does Paul leave open the door here that we might be able to lose our salvation?
Paul's handling of the Old Testament is interesting here--the wilderness wandering of Israel in Exodus and Numbers is presented as an example of what not to do as Christian believers.
He notes that all of the Israelites were close to God through Moses and their wilderness expereinces (which include spiritual baptism, spiritual food, and an experience with the pre-New Testament Christ); yet, when they turned away to their own desires (immorality, pride, and complaining) they were severely punished. Paul hopes the believers in Corinth see how serious God is when it comes his people's obedience. When he runs out of patience, the consequences will be gravely serious.
So, Paul is encouraging the Corinthians not to press God's patience any further with their so-called "spiritual freedom." They think they are "standing firm," but Paul thinks they are close to being cast out into darkness and out of fellowship with God.
And thus, another well known verse comes into focus: v. 13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." God does not choose your response to temptation. You do. However, he has provided a way out of the temptation that will lead to salvation and spiritual strength. He will provide a way to stand in the face of evil. However, we must resolve in faith to follow God's way and not our own. Those who God will stand. Those who choose the world and its desires will be scattered.
So, one final question that will be addressed again in the future: does Paul leave open the door here that we might be able to lose our salvation?
Labels: First Corinthians, salvation, security of the believer, temptation
posted by Randy Rogers at
8:55 AM
5 Comments:
I think that Paul is trying to get across what it means to be a heart-felt follower of Christ rather than a "fair-weather friend" of Jesus'...but I could be wrong, for who has not stumbled? And in stumbling do we not highlight our attention to God deficit, and so the story begun in the Hebrew--God alone is faithful--rings aloud again and hopefully not too often again.
BFrank and RobeFRe Cause God Is Truth
Maybe the question is were we ever really saved if salvation is a baptism into the Life of Jesus and not some action we made or code we signed.
Ah yes, the tried and true Baptist answer to all questions about eternal security of the believer: If there is any doubt about his longevity in the faith, it must be because that person was never saved.
another testament to the very personal nature of Christology!
The personal nature of Christology: knowing Christ should be a personal endeavor, and it should impact us to the core. I hope, though, that having a personal Christology does not lead me away from a general consensus of belief in the church. We are a part of the body of Christ, and thus we find affirmation.
It is nice to think, though, that Christ adapts himself to my needs so that I may know him, even if I only grasp a small portion of him. Even a small portion of Christ is enough. Lord, give me more!
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