Called to Win the Race

Called to Win the Race
Study Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24 - 10:13
Lesson 7

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Key Verse

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

1 Corinth ian s 9:24.

INTRODUCTION

As we study the lesson today let us remember that the Apostle Paul's apostleship was under fire. He was dealing with people who though he had brought them into the faith were actively examining him

and who considered themselves to be all wise.

Paul entered into successive defences of his rights and privileges as an apostle to illustrate to the Corinth ian s that their position and behavior was not right; and that in fact, though they thought otherwise, they did not properly understand the doctrine of Christ.

Among other matters, Paul had to teach them about eating meat offered to idols. The reality is they should never have inquired about this matter, or written anything among themselves which violated apostolic teaching. Remember that the Jerusalem Council had decreed that the Gentile believers should not eat meat offered to idols. (See Acts 15:28-29; 21:25).

Since he knew the kind of people with whom he was dealing, Paul did not even mention this and for the sake of argument granted the position that some held which stated that meat offered to idols is permissible for the “strong” Christ ian .

Paul had then argued further that even if the “stronger brother” had knowledge which freed him to eat idol meat, his love for the so-called “weaker brother” should make him avoid doing anything that would hinder the walk of a fellow believer. (See lesson 6).

Paul then used his own life and ministry to illustrate that one should refrain from one's rights, even refusing rights at great personal cost, in order to proclaim the Gospel more effectively, especially in view of the fact that the believer will be especially rewarded for work done above and beyond the required minimums.

In chapter 9 he pointed the Corinth ian s to the Old Testament Scriptures which gave him certain apostolic rights, but which, given the great offence of the Gospel to unbelievers, he refrained from exercising, so that there was no hindrance to the unbeliever accepting the Gospel.

Paul's use of the Old Testament Scriptures teaches us a great deal about the role of these Scriptures in the life of so-called New Testament Saints, who sometimes foolishly write off portions of the Scriptures as irrelevant to their lives.

For Paul the goal of the Christ ian was the salvation of souls and anything that would thwart or slow this process should be willingly set aside.

The Corinth ian s, like most new believers and unfortunately many older professing believers, were obviously struggling with self-control. So Paul systematically taught them about things which impinged directly on their character and conduct.

We can remind ourselves of some these issues. There were divisions and strife;

-many looked on Paul's gospel as simplistic,

-there were immoral practices so outrageous that even the pagan Corinth ian s were shocked.

-There were believers who were willing to do anything to defend what they thought were their liberties

-they took other believers to pagan law courts to protect their legal rights from other believers.

These people were clearly out of control despite them possessing many great gifts of the Spirit.

The irregularities which arose in the church at Corinth and which gave the apostle occasion to write this Epistle, were produced by the prevailing licentiousness of the people; and by the fact, that gross and shameless passions had received the countenance of law and the patronage of public opinion. (See 1Co_5:1-13; 1 Cor. 7)

The issue for the Corinth ian believers clearly was lack of self-control, submitting to, come to and be led by the Spirit, instead of by the flesh.

Establishing the church in Corinth was a daunting task, but God had made Paul to understand that he had much people in that city. The gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation, would accomplish what was willed by God, because of his grace and wisdom.

After rebuking the Corinth ian s for insisting on their rights to eat meat offered to idols based on their “knowledge”, forgetting the issue of love, and contrasting these attitudes and actions to his setting aside his liberty, so that the gospel would be proclaimed without hindrance; Paul now begins to look at the subject of eating meats offered to idols in a different but clear way.

Paul showed them that they were not facing any new problem, but were facing the same set of problems that the ancient Israelites faced, enroute from bondage and slavery in Egypt to the promised land of Canaan .

Those people had to deal with the sin of self indulgence. The enemy that Israel faced on that journey was determined to derail them and sabotage their intention to be effective servants of God. That same wily and terrible enemy would face believers in every age.

We nowadays are in the exact same position as ancient Israel and the believers at Corinth . We have to listen to and learn from the Apostle Paul, so that we will not be failures in our Christ ian life.

Paul wanted the Corinth ian believers to ‘run’ in such a manner, so that they completed the race of life, in the way that God had established; that they finished the course and avoid disqualification due to unchrist ian behaviour. The Apostle wants the same thing for us today.

THE TEXT

1 Corinth ian s 9

Verse 24. Let us remember that we are in the middle of a discussion on the dangers of idolatry in the life of a Christ ian . We are also dealing with the over arching responsibility of the believer to represent Christ properly.

Paul will now use an illustration which every Corinth ian would understand, to give these believers another reason besides injuring others, for exercising self-control in the Christ ian life. He now introduces the idea that there is an imperishable prize. The desire for this prize should motivate every believer to self-discipline and self-control.

Paul slaps at the “superior knowledge” error of the Corinth ian s. So he refers to the famous Isthm ian games which he uses as an example or figure in his teaching, and he rebukes them

“Do you not know” ,and again in chapter 10:1

“I do not want you to be ignorant”.

This matter of rel ian ce on ‘knowledge’ and the overconfidence which it leads to, figures prominently in Paul's address, as he challenged these believers to fulfill their calling as saints.

Paul builds an argument around the athletic contests or races that were familiar to everyone in Corinth . These Ishm ian Games, were big and popular and were second in prestige only to the ancient Olympics. Participants trained long and hard just to have the opportunity to compete. Paul focuses or draws analogies from certain events, namely running, wrestling and boxing. Thus the Corinth ian believers would fully understand when Paul talks about running to win.

“Do you not know that those running in a race all run, but one receives the prize?”

The intent of those who entered the race was obviously to win, and of course, races were not won automatically. Every athlete wanted to do better than his competitors and wanted to win, and was willing to pay a significant price to win.

Paul now states that each and every believer becomes a participant in this Christ ian race the moment they believe. All must run the race of life and be useful and pleasing to God. Note that this race has nothing to do with ones salvation, as one must already be a Christ ian to participate.

As far as the analogy goes Paul pinpoints the major difference; in the Isthm ian games all run but only one will receive the crown. In this Christ ian race however, all who complete the course will receive a crown, for it is a race of perseverance rather than speed.

Paul was actually comparing the race to his activity of spreading the gospel and winning souls to Christ, as we see in the context of the lesson and the verse immediately prior to our study scripture, verses 19-23.

We also see the same idea expressed throughout his writings.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” Heb 12:1

“And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.” Gal 2:2

“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Phi 2:16

Paul now points to the correct attitude in running the race; we know that we are guaranteed a crown regardless of our place in the race, “So run, that ye may obtain”, that is we must run as if there was only one crown; therefore exerting our utmost effort, doing our very best.

Verse 25. “And every man that striveth …” Everyone who wishes to accomplish anything in the advance of the gospel of Christ and in the winning of souls to the kingdom, must endure a rigorous regimen of preparation.

Wrestling has always been an event that is physically demanding even more so than the sprint and the training is much more severe. Here Paul has in mind the struggles that we have to endure. Wrestling requires great strength, but also great suppleness and flexibility. Thus our striving is our preparation for the event.

Note that the word used for striving or competing is the Greek word for agony. Obviously disciplined, focused effort and commitment was expended by the athletes in the games. The Christ ian should have this kind of agonizing effort. No indulgence, laziness, and casual behavior has any place in the Christ ian race.

In addition to this, Paul talks of temperance, which is self control. Participants in the games had to take an oath that they would follow ten months of training, and this training required such self-control as to abstain from anything that would hinder performance in any way. Athletes had to refuse many things, such as eating certain kinds of foods. This included things that were not considered unlawful.

“temperate in all things - The word which is rendered “is temperate” denotes “abstinence” from all that would excite, stimulate, and ultimately enfeeble; from wine, from exciting and luxurious living, and from licentious indulgences. It means that they did all they could to make the body vigorous, active, and supple. They pursued a course of entire temperate living; compare Act_24:25; 1Co_7:9; Gal_5:23; 2Pe_1:6. It relates not only to indulgences unlawful in themselves, but to abstinence from many things that were regarded as “lawful,” but which were believed to render the body weak and effeminate. The phrase “in all things” means that this course of temperance or abstinence was not confined to one thing, or to one class of things, but to every kind of food and drink, and every indulgence that had a tendency to render the body weak and effeminate.”

In addition to all this the athlete had to take a oath to adhere to a stringent list of laws, the violation of which would disqualify him from competing.

“Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” These athletes were very serious about competing and put themselves through all this to win a wreath of fading greenery, crown of leaves, a perishable crown, something that would not last. The athletes controlled every aspect of their life with great discipline so that they could win a reward which faded away over time.

In contrast to their reward, is the Christ ian s reward which is incorruptible, and whose longevity will take us through eternity. How much more then should the Christ ian strive to gain this unfading, eternal crown? How much effort, sacrifice, self-control, and discipline should a Christ ian exercise to win so great a crown?

Verse 26. “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:” Paul answers that question, declaring that this is how he ran the Christ ian race. His objective was to serve God and from the time he awoke that was what determined his day. Anything that interfered with what God wanted him to do he cast aside. His objective was to make God delight in him and give him the prize.

He knew that his reward was certain and so he put all his effort into this goal, that the gospel reached many, so that some may be saved, and that God be glorified in all his endeavors.

The word which we translate “uncertainly”, has other meanings.

1. It signifies ignorantly; I do not run like one ignorant of what he is about, or of the laws of the course; I know that there is an eternal life; I know the way that leads to it; and I know and feel the power of it.

2. It signifies without observation; the eyes of all the spectators were fixed on those who ran in these races; and to gain the applause of the multitude, they stretched every nerve; the apostle knew that the eyes of all were fixed upon him.

1. His false brethren waited for his halting:

2. The persecuting Jews and Gentiles longed for his downfall:

3. The Church of Christ looked on him with anxiety: And he acted in all things as under the immediate eye of God.

In the same manner that Paul prepared himself by the exercise of discipline and self-control, he fought with the same intensity – not like one who beats the air, he is not merely a shadow boxer, for he knows that his enemy is real and he fights not only for honour, but for his very life.

With knowledge, wisdom and precision he throws every blow, that the enemy not gain an advantage over him.

This of course answers the question that we always hear,

“What am I here for?”

The Scriptures and Paul tells us. God created us and he has designed us with specific abilities, talents and gifts, so that he can use and make us useful and pleasing to him. You came on earth at a specific time, in a specific place, and he placed you in specific circumstances, for he has a design for you. He wants you.

Once he has called you to him, and you accept that you are saved, you know for sure what you are here for. So concentrate on running the race as is required of you.

Verse 27. “But I keep under my body…again Paul emphasizes the importance of discipline and self-control. The word here means that Paul made use of all possible means to subdue his corrupt and carnal inclinations; to show that he was not under the dominion of evil passions, but was wholly under the dominion of the gospel.

The word “discipline” literally means “to strike under the eye; to give a black eye”. Obviously Paul has no intention for his body to control his being.

And bring it into subjection -. This word properly means, to reduce to servitude or slavery; ‘to lead about as a slave’, and probably was usually applied to the act of subduing an enemy, and leading him captive from the field of battle; as the captives in war were regarded as slaves. It then means, effectually and totally to subdue, to conquer, to reduce to bondage and subjection. Paul means by it, the purpose to obtain a complete victory over his corrupt passions and propensities, and a design to gain the mastery over all his natural and evil inclinations.

“…lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” Many people and commentators use this verse to support the notion that it is possible for a true servant of God to lose their salvation, those who are not true servants of God were never saved. The Scripture is quite emphatic when it comes to the eternal status of the elect of God. Thus it seems proper to keep in line with the context and the analogies Paul has been using all along.

In context then it is possible for one to preach the gospel and others come to a true saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Yet, just like the athlete, if one violates the oath or break the laws that govern the race, the umpire or judge can strip you of your crown, despite your coming first.

Thus this is the case with those who preach the gospel, yet commit such offences against God as to be stripped of ones crown.

A similar idea is seen in our past lesson where the work of those who build with wood, hay and stubble, will not stand the test of fire. They will suffer loss, yet their soul will be saved. All must face the judgment of Jesus so that their service would be tested for quality.

Paul certainly did not want to be disqualified, put on the shelf, losing any effective ministry, and the opportunity to serve his master. He certainly wanted to prove that he was really saved, was a genuine Apostle, and that his service to God was of the gold and precious metals quality.

Remember too that no Greek participant running in the race would lose their citizenship when they lost the race or were “disqualified”. Their punishment was losing their reward.

Let us now be practical and realistic.

If there is no self- discipline we will not be able to complete the Christ ian race. Remember that there is always something in life which works to pull us off track. There is always some temptation that we have to turn away from, some pressure on us to give up, to think that the things that we have done is all that we need to do, to rest on our achievements, to feel that we can relax and let life go on and that we can safely enjoy ourselves. All those things and feelings will sabotage our Christ ian effectiveness, IF WE ALLOW IT TO DO SO.

Remember that we should always be hungering and thirsting after righteousness, never doing anything to dull the spiritual appetite, no matter how harmless or trivial these things appear to be.

Let us remember the warning that if we think that discipline and self-control is all we need to succeed in the Christ ian race, and we therefore try to discipline ourselves so much that we regulate everything in our lives rigidly, we will eventually become discouraged and defeated.

We not only need discipline, but we need dependence on God, knowing that in everything we do we count on God to be always there with us.

1 Corinth ian s 10

Paul again attacks the much vaunted “knowledge” of the Corinth ian brethren, telling them that he now intends to remove their ignorance.

This section of Scripture highlights some very important lessons taken from the wilderness experience of ancient Israel , who wandered in the wilderness for forty years after their emancipation from slavery and bondage in Egypt .

The children of Israel are the prime example of what happens to God’s people when they are over confident, abuse and misuse their new found freedom. The result was a rapid decline into idolatry, immorality, and rebellion, which lead to their disqualification from receiving the blessing of God.

Paul now shows the amazing blessings and privileges that every member in Israel enjoyed, and he shows that we enjoy the same advantages and are in the same boat. They too had been placed in the race, given all the necessary blessings and privileges, but unfortunately their bodies were strewn through the wilderness, and only two of the two million who started out finished the race and entered the Promised Land.

Paul then taught that to avoid missing out on God’s blessings

(1 Cor 9:27) it is imperative that the Corinth ian brethren exercise strict self-control and bring their bodies under subjection as Paul had to do also.

These instructions apply equally to us today. Ancient Israel was their counterpart, and is also our counterpart. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” 1Co 10:11.

Verse 1. Despite the numerous faults that plagued the Corinth ian church, they were endowed with all the spiritual gifts; however this giftedness did not exempt them from disqualification if they continued or lapsed into their old sinful ways.

Referring to Moses and the children of Israel , Paul urged them not to be ignorant and remember what happened to their ‘fathers’.

We must note that the Children of Israel were highly favoured by God, and gifted in many ways; yet due to their lack of discipline, only two men over the age of nineteen that came out of Egypt were permitted to enter the Promised Land; even Moses and Aaron died in the wilderness.

Thus Paul indicates that being endowed with all kinds of spiritual gifts and even the most respected Christ ian leaders are not exempted from being disqualified, if they continually displease God.

God freed these people from slavery which pictures our freedom from sin; they experienced the power, presence and provision of God as they passed through the Red Sea, were accompanied by God’s presence as a cloud by day and a pillar fire by night, their first blessing, and received manna from heaven. Yet many of them lusted for the things that they had left behind in Egypt .

Verse 2-4. “And were all baptized unto Moses”

The people were baptized into the covenant of which Moses was the mediator. This baptism typified one coming into full agreement with that covenant, just as baptism into Jesus is a sign of our full acceptance of the precepts of the gospel.

“Baptism” was a word used to describe a garment that was immersed in a dye, and so that garment took on the colour of the dye. The word therefore refers to identifying with something.

The ancient Israelites were enveloped by the cloud and by the sea when they followed Moses, so being identified with Moses who was, according to Deuteronomy 18:15, the prototype of the Messiah who was to come.

Moses stood between God and man, and was the great mediator. He represented the people to God and spoke on behalf of God to the people. He had intimate access to God and through him all the people had access to God.

When Jesus came he was the Mediator for all men including Moses, for he had intimate access to God his Father. Paul uses this in Romans 5:2 to remind believers that it is through Jesus that we have obtained access.

Now with one entering the body of Christ, the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper are to be observed, for they are a sign of our commitment to Christ and bring spiritual revitalization; but if abused or taken unworthily they can in the case of the Lord’s Supper bring sickness and even death.

Moses had demanded that Pharaoh let his people go that they may worship God at His holy mountain; unfortunately they brought with them some of the pagan ideas into the worship of God. They did not seem to appreciate that mixing with the world, following the patterns of the world was the most dangerous thing.

Unfortunately many modern believers take mixing with the world as a trifling thing and as of no importance. They do not realize the danger inherent in not removing the old habits inculcated in their pre-Christ ian life. We often do not recognize that we still keep much of the bad habits we had from our early life.

It is hard to distinguish many believers from people in the world. They eat the same, dress the same, talk the same, listen to the same kind of music, watch and appreciate the same television shows, and so on. This failure to see what we are doing arises because these old sinful ways are so deeply imbedded in us, that we do not realize they are there.

Paul, using the children of Israel as an example, now shows the Corinth ian s that mixing the spiritual sacraments with pagan idolatry, from which they had been delivered, would lead to the same fate as the children of Israel.

Whereas we have the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, the children of Israel also enjoyed the spiritual food. This was their third blessing.

Spiritual meat - The manna which is here called spiritual.

1. Because it was provided supernaturally; and,

2. Because it was a type of Christ Jesus, who speaking of it, Joh_6:31, etc., tells us that it was a type of that true bread which came down from heaven, which gives life to the world, Joh_6:33, and that himself was the bread of life, Joh_6:48.

This was particularly important for some of the Corinth ian who thought they were more spiritual; exercised their Christ ian liberty to the extreme. Thinking that meat offered to idol was nothing, lacking caution and discretion put themselves in danger of falling back into the same old idolatrous way from which they had been delivered.

One writer says it like this :-

“It seems as if the Corinth ian s had supposed that their being made partakers of the ordinances of the Gospel, such as baptism and the Lord’s Supper, would secure their salvation, notwithstanding they might be found partaking of idolatrous feasts; as long, at least, as they considered an idol to be nothing in the world. To remove this destructive supposition, which would have led them to endless errors both in principle and practice, the apostle shows that the Jews had sacramental ordinances in the wilderness, similar to those of the Christ ian s; and that, notwithstanding they had the typical baptism from the cloud, and the typical eucharist from the paschal lamb, and the manna that came down from heaven, yet, when they joined with idolaters and partook of idolatrous feasts, God was not only displeased with them, but signified this displeasure by pouring out his judgments upon them, so that in one day 23,000 of them were destroyed.”

The ancient Israelites were strengthened and refreshed by Christ, given food and drink by God from that spiritual rock Christ the source. It is from Christ that we receive all that we have. They, ancient Israel , saw Christ in all of those symbols and figures in Scripture, were fed and refreshed by him, and so they were related to him just as we are related to him. Christ the Rock followed them, was their refuge and helper, as so Samuel called the stone he erected “Ebenezer”.

Verse 5. That God was not well pleased seems to be an under statement. What is meant is that God was only pleased with a very very few of them. The consequence of their conduct, their disobedience and rebellion resulted in God’s displeasure, and for that most of them were overthrown in the wilderness. They fell by wars and pestilence, natural causes and strange diseases.

The intent of the apostle here is, to remind them that although Israel enjoyed so many privileges, yet they were destroyed; and thus to admonish the Corinth ian s that their privileges did not constitute an absolute security from danger, and that they should be cautious against the indulgence of sin.

Paul now presents five stories from the experience of Israel in the wilderness to warn the Corinth ian s that what they were doing was just like what Israel had done.

Clearly, he wanted to warn them that they were indulging in all kinds of liberties such as feasting in pagan temples, because they thought that they were safe because of their participation in ‘baptism’ and ‘communion’.

They were immature and overconfident of their understanding of the Bible and the spiritual world. They were arrogant and thought that the Gospel had brought them freedom from the dangers which came from within, and from the temptations of the flesh.

Verse 6. All these things were warnings for the Corinth ian s and are to be warnings for us, that if we dare venture into the same sins as they, we can expect God’s wrath to be upon us. We can certainly lose His favour and blessing and run the risk of being barred from the ‘Promised Land’.

Paul had spoken in verse one that Israel were our ‘fathers’ and so with the connection between us and them was a powerful one. Their experience had a direct bearing on our lives. What they did and what happened to them teaches us a powerful lesson.

In Mark_4:19 “lusts” are objects of desire. ‘Lust’ is almost always used in a negative connotation as it is meant here. The uncontrolled desire for forbidden things, bent of satisfying the basest carnal appetite. Lust is that sinful longing; the inward sin which leads to the falling away from God (Rom_1:21). “Lust, the origin of sin, was what caused Adam and Eve to reject all that God had provided for them and desire the one thing that God had forbidden.

1. Longing desire; eagerness to possess or enjoy; as the lust of gain.

2. Concupiscence; carnal appetite; unlawful desire of carnal pleasure. Rom 1. 2 Pet 2.

3. Evil propensity; depraved affections and desires. James 1. Psa 81.

4. To have carnal desire; to desire eagerly the gratification of carnal appetite.

“Lust after evil things - Desire those things which are forbidden, and which would be injurious. They lusted after flesh, and God granted them their desires, and the consequence was a plague, and the destruction of multitudes Exo_11:4. So Paul infers that the Corinth ian Christ ian s should not lust after, or desire the meat offered in sacrifice to idols, lest it should lead them also to sin and ruin.” Num_11:4, Num_11:31-34; Psa_78:27-31, Psa_106:14, Psa_106:15

Israel craved after evil things, there was no self-control or discipline. The things that they thought were great were in fact bad for them, traps which lead to destruction. They were clearly self indulgent. Note that this self indulgence was associated with certain activities directly related to the matter of eating meat and idolatry.

Verse 7. Paul pinpoints some of the other horrible behaviours that led to their demise, indicating there were many parallels between the Corinth ian s and the ancient children of Israel .

This next warning was against idolatry, which they found themselves in very shortly after leaving Egypt (Ex 32:28 see also Ex 20:3, Ez 14:3). They had come out of an idolatrous environment and it had affected them deeply, much more than they thought. They were not as secure as they thought.

At the foot of Mount Sinai , when Moses was gone, the people got tired of waiting and had a big party. Nothing was really wrong with that. Then they started dancing. Nothing was wrong with that for Israel often danced before the Lord. But being self-indulgent, lacking self-control, they got carried away, and begun to eat and then to dance in a lewd way. In no time they were bowing down and worshiping the Golden calf that Aaron had made from their gold jewellery.

They had been through so much divine deliverance, and now turned to making a god from their material possessions for, and worship.

Excessive eating and drinking was followed by a gross sexual orgy; so terrible was the incident that three thousand people were slain for their part in instigating this activity(Ex32:7).

Of course the Corinth ian s were famous not only for their idolatry but for the immoral sexual activity that featured in their worship. The temple of Venus stood above those of the other gods and was attended by one thousand beautiful women, who acted as temple prostitutes.

It was from this that the Corinth ian brethren who themselves once engaged, had been delivered, but were in danger of falling back into. No doubt some of them were still actively involved in this activity. This warning then bears great significance to them.

Let us now be very frank. It is amazing the ease with which we turn our attention to the things of the flesh and how we are captured, feeling that we cannot live without them. We behave just like ancient Israel .

We might not worship the idol made of our gold and silver jewellery, but we have come to worship our possessions, our cars, our homes, our country, our children or spouses and everything else except God. We strive for power and material wealth. They become more important than God and we spend more time on them that on the things of God. This of course disqualifies us. We will not be rewarded for these activities.

It was so amazingly and frighteningly easy for Israel to slide despite the previous powerful demonstration of God. So we are warned to be most careful.

Note also that once we get into idolatry, which means to highly regard or worship anything else but God and the things of God, immorality becomes part of the package.

Idolatry was always associated with eating and drinking, offering sacrifices to the idol, then sitting down and eating the remaining portion of the food and drink offered to the idol. Israel knew clearly that idolatry was an evil thing and that it was clearly forbidden, but they did take part in heathen sacrificial service, offering sacrifices to the idol, then eating the idol meat, and then taking part in activities of a sexual nature.

Note that this was the ‘strong” Aaron, the ‘strong’ elders of Israel , the ‘strong’ antislavery people of Israel , and so on. They had thrown away all self-control.

Discontent with what God had provided and ingratitude for the blessings that God gave them, always wanting more, has plagued Israel , the Corinth ian s, and us. What a pattern! Ingratitude triggers a downward spiral.

Verse 8. In Numbers 25 we read about Israel playing the harlot with the daughters of Moab . This happened just as Israel was prepared to enter the Promised land near the end of their wilderness wandering, and the women of Moab offered food, and seduced the men. They joined them in their idol worship, then ate and bowed down to the gods of the Moabites and committed fornication. Idolatry and eating the meat of idols are linked.

The situation in Numbers 25:1-9 was terrible; the people were plagued by God for their gross sexual misconduct. However, when one of them took this to the extreme, with total disregard, flaunted his acts before the congregation of God, Phinehas killed him and his pagan partner, pinning them together with a javelin. It was then that God stayed the plague.

We seem to think that mixing with pagans is not a serious matter but It is. We must mix and witness to the pagans, but great caution must be exercised.

We cannot think that the one small step in our association with paganism will not lead to serious things. It will. We should be careful of the chances we take. Pollution in any form is not a nice thing. It is only the arrogant that think they can survive despite what they do.

Paul warned us later not to even eat with heretical brethren. This is how serious he took the effects of pollution from associating with renegades.

Verse 9. Though we may be inclined to distance ourselves from some extreme behaviour, there are still other types of conduct that God finds abhorrent. In this verse Paul refers to many people being destroyed by fiery serpents (Num 21:6), because they tempted Christ.

Number 21 records this story as the people questioned the goodness and providence of God and Christ who is that spiritual rock, their provider and protector. In this case we are told that they put God to the test. Actually, fully ten times they put God to the test.

They charged God with unfaithfulness, grumbling about the food that God had provided, demanding that God meet their needs as defined by them.

In Numbers 21 they actually said that God had brought them out of Egypt so that they would die in the wilderness. Actually, this was either blasphemy or pretty close to it. So God had to plague them, and on their crying, instructed Moses to make a brazen serpent and put it up on a pole so that when the serpents came they would not be bitten and killed.

Neither let us tempt Christ ... - The word “tempt,” when applied to man, means to present motives or inducements to sin; when used with reference to God, it means to try his patience, to provoke his anger, or to act in such a way as to see how much he will bear, and how long he will endure the wickedness and perverseness of people. The Israelites tempted him, or “tried his patience and forbearance,” by rebellion, complaining, impatience, and dissatisfaction with his dealings.

We probably do the same things as Israel and the Corinth ian s.

We become dissatisfied with the circumstances in which God has placed us and sometimes openly, sometimes subtly accuse him of meaning evil for us and not good. We want life to be what we think it should be, not what he thinks it should be. So we accuse God of being unfaithful. That's testing him.

Just remember he will not tolerate that for long.

By chasing our own dreams, following the ways of idolatry, exposing ourselves to temptation in the idol temples - placing themselves, as it were, under the influence of idolatry, going where the world goes and doing what the world does, because we want to get ahead, we are needlessly trying the grace of Christ. We often eat in the temple of the idols to get that promotion at work.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” Rom 6:1

Verse 10. The gross ingratitude of the children of Israel is seen in their murmuring. They almost immediately forgot the fact that they had cried for deliverance due to their four hundred years of bondage; they failed to remember the plagues sent on the Egypt ian s and their miraculous passage through the Red Sea . They were not far from the Promised Land, but when expectations were not instantly gratified they began to complain.

They despised the provisions of God and lusted for the things they had left behind in Egypt . This led to their accusation of God bringing them in the wilderness to perish, and some of them wished to return to their former state of bondage.

This passage refers to the grumbling of Israel . They tried to attack Moses’ authority. Though they had seen divine discipline as described in Exodus 16:28-35, the earth swallowing up the rebels and their families, the very next day they blamed Moses for the deaths of those that God had killed for their rebellion. Many perished as a result. They grumbled at divine discipline.

This type of ingratitude is intolerable, but it is not uncommon, even among God’s people today. We very quickly forget the things from which God has already delivered us, and bitterly complain in the leaner times, though God continually makes sufficient provisions.

Our situation often worsens if God allows us to have our evil desire, and of course we complain even more bitterly. Contentment not complaint is the path to true satisfaction.

Because of their continual complaining God dispatched the destroyer.

“And were destroyed of the destroyer” The Jews suppose that God employed destroying angels to punish those rebellious Israelites; they were five in number, and one of them they call Meshachith, the destroyer; which appears to be another name for Samael, the angel of death, to whose influence they attribute all deaths which are not uncommon or violent. Those who die violent deaths, or deaths that are not in the common manner of men, are considered as perishing by immediate judgments from God.

The church in Corinth also grumbled at divine discipline, for they had among them a man who was living in sin with his father's wife, to the horror of even the pagan Corinth ian s. They were proud of themselves instead of mourning over this sin. So these people were murmuring. They never cared for divine discipline, but wanted to do what their flesh told them to do, just like what they people of Israel did in Exodus 16, and Numbers 16.

Today we have to be careful, for we are guilty of often grumbling against divine discipline. We want to do what we want to do and allow others to do what they want, irrespective of what the Scriptures say. So we allow sin in our midst, because we like to follow the ways of the flesh. Like Israel we will be destroyed by the Destroyer for grumbling at divine disciple. So let us not persist in murmuring.

Verse 11-12 Paul reiterates his warning (v.6) admonishing the Corinth ian s to let those who have gone before us to be examples for us.

The people of old faced the same enemies, the same principalities and powers of darkness that we face. Their history reveals who it is that are trying to overcome us, discourage us, and defeat us just like what happened to Israel . Our only salvation is to diligently do what God has told us to do, trust in God, hold onto his promises, lean on his strength, and heed his admonitions. We are those “…upon whom the ends of the world are come.” We have to learn from Israel 's mistakes. When we are over confident we are vulnerable. We are up against a wily, determined, experienced and ruthless enemy. We are on a battlefield. We can fall easily and so we have to run the race properly, guarding our selves, keeping fit, and keeping our minds clear, and not distracted by the things of the world.

This phrase is equivalent to ‘end times or the end of the age’; it really refers to all those who live after the ascension of Christ and before his second coming. So that includes us.

As a result of all these examples it is wise for all and those in particular who think they are spiritually strong, to be on high alert. The end of the age will bring increased satanic activity, which means all are vulnerable. One writer comments:-

“Take heed lest he fall - Into sin, idolatry, or any other form of iniquity. We learn here:

(1) That a confidence in our own security is no evidence that we are safe.

(2) such a confidence may be one of the strongest evidences that we are in danger. Those are most safe who feel that they are weak and feeble, and who feel their need of divine aid and strength. They will then rely on the true source of strength; and they will be secure.

(3) all professed Christ ian s should be admonished. All are in danger of falling into sin, and of dishonoring their profession; and the exhortation cannot be too often or too urgently pressed, that they should take heed lest they fall into sin. The leading and special idea of the apostle here should not he forgotten or disregarded. It is, that Christ ian s in their favored moments, when they are permitted to approach near to God, and when the joys of salvation fill their hearts, should exercise special caution. For:

(a) Then the adversary will be especially desirous to draw away their thoughts from God, and to lead them into sin, as their fall would most signally dishonor religion;

(b) Then they will be less likely to be on their guard, and more likely to feel themselves strong, and not to need caution and solicitude.”

The Corinth ian s were blessed with all the spiritual gifts and because of this there was a certain vulnerability to be puffed up with pride and subsequently a danger of falling into sin. Their pride blinded their eyes, and clouded their understanding of Scripture.

Verse 13. There is no temptation that one can face that has not already been experienced by another; hence as with the Israelites we have many examples from which we can learn.

If we seriously search the scripture and rightly divide the word of truth, we will find among the pages of scripture and Christ ian doctrine, help for every situation. In fact the temptation that we face and that the Corinth ian s faced were small in comparison to the Children of Israel.

In addition to this, God promised every believer that He will make a way out of every temptation that we could possibly fall into, and will not allow us to face more than we can bear; in essence God will supply the strength that we need.

This is a verse with great encouragement. It assures us that no matter how hard our testing, its that it's just our turn, other people had their turn at pressure. Pressure is an everyday thing, affecting everybody. It should be no big deal. James said that.

We are also assured that our trials are also “controlled pressures”. Nothing is beyond our strength. God knows our strength more than we do, and he controls the pressure.

We are also assured that God is always present, and he provides conquering grace, a way of escape. He is a present help in time of trouble, for He Himself is the way of escape.

This verse is a warning. Temptations to sin are real. Pride and our weaknesses are real. But we do not have to be overwhelmed by them.

There is therefore never any need to be disqualified.

One commentator says:-

“But such as is common to man

that is, small, short, moderate. Your temptations or trials have been but trifling in comparison of those endured by the Israelites; they might have been easily resisted and overcome. Besides, God will not suffer you to be tried above the strength he gives you; but as the trial comes, he will provide you with sufficient strength to resist it; as the trial comes in, he will make your way out. The words are very remarkable,

“He will, with the temptation, make the deliverance, or way out.”

Satan is never permitted to block up our way, without the providence of God making a way through the wall. God ever makes a breach in his otherwise impregnable fortification. Should an upright soul get into difficulties and straits, he may rest assured that there is a way out, as there was a way in; and that the trial shall never be above the strength that God shall give him to bear it.”

CONCLUSION

Paul put the real issue into the open. In the case of Israel and the Corinth ian church it was self indulgence, doing things based on worldly standards.

Jesus was very self disciplined and he practiced and advocated self-denial. He denied himself and he refused to allow the flesh to control him.

It is interesting to note that Jesus’ forty days temptation in the wilderness was like a mirror, a replay of the forty that Israel spent in the wilderness because of their self-indulgence. Israel was tested for forty years and so was Jesus. Jesus triumphed while Israel failed.

They craved for evil things and demanded that God give them what their flesh desired. They rejected the provisions of God. But Jesus was content to be hungry and to thirst. During his temptation, he did not turn stones into bread nor look for the ways of the world for his success.

We must follow his example. Paul has instructed us to live a life of self- discipline and self-denial, just as he did. We should not live a life of self indulgence. We must commit ourselves, purpose, discipline our bodies, so with that we would finish the course that God has set for us.

Let us be logical. 40, 50, 60, or 70 years during which time we have some trouble during some periods, and then an eternity of bliss versus pleasure now and much pain later! Does it not make sense to bear the little pressure we face for a limited time, and come out smelling like roses?

We must always aim to advance the gospel.

Every morning that we wake up we must think about what Jesus wants us to do that day. Everything we do must be geared to that end. Let us do our duty. Our reward will be great.