1 Corinthians 10:6-13 (WEL) Now these became our examples, for the purpose that we should not lust after evil things, as they lusted. 7 Neither be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to play sinfully.” Exodus 32:6 8 Neither let us commit sexual sins, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. 9 Neither let us see how far we can provoke Christ, as some of them also tempted him, and were destroyed by snakes. 10 Nor whine as some of them did and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them for examples. They are written as a warning to us, to whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore, the one who thinks he stands, beware lest he fall. 13 No temptation has taken you but what is common to humanity, but God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, and with the temptation, he will also make a way to escape, so that you can endure it.
V6 Now these became our examples, for the purpose that we should not lust after evil things, as they lusted.
This is an example of what not to do. Look at the wonderful deliverance and blessings that Israel enjoyed! Yet, this is how they treated God afterwards.
The Bible has rules for living to obey or to avoid, principles to do or not to do, and examples of lives and decisions that pleased God or displeased God. We are accountable. The law that Christians follow is the Law of Christ (Galatians 6:2)
Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:22, Psalm 97:10, and 1 John 2:16.
Lusting to serve God is good. Lusting for evil things makes God angry. See Ephesians 2:3 and 1 Thessalonians 5:22.
V7 Neither be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to play sinfully.” Exodus 32:6
These rebels are eating meat dedicated to a false god. They are actually worshipping what could not deliver them and did not deliver them. Beware of not recognizing the one God who blesses us and further refuse to thank Him.
If idolatry and celebrating a false god is not enough, they participated in an orgy for religious purposes.
Colossians 2:6-7 (MSB) Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
This is an example of provoking God’s wrath. They had no fear of the one and only God. Examples like these teach us what pleases or displeases God.
They were practicing hedonism. Compare 1 Peter 4:3, 2 Timothy 3:4, and Titus 2:12.
The Greek philosophies still had great respect. All believers must be taught, be warned, and be encouraged in every way to avoid worldly philosophies.
ISBE on Epicureans: “The aim and end of life for every man is his own happiness, and happiness is primarily defined as pleasure. “Wherefore we call pleasure the Alpha and Omega of a blessed life. Pleasure is our first and kindred good. It is the starting-point of every choice and of every aversion, and to it we come back, inasmuch as we make feeling the rule by which to judge every good thing” (Epicurus, Letter to Menoeceus). So far Epicurus might seem to be simply repeating the view of the Cyrenaics. But there are important differences. Aristippus held the pleasure of the moment to be the end of action; but Epicurus taught that life should be so lived as to secure the greatest amount of pleasure during its whole course.”
V8 Neither let us commit sexual sins, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day.
God created sex to be enjoyed. It is part of bonding in marriage and to have the blessing of children. Sex is between and only between a male (XY) and a female (XX) in a permanent marriage until death separates them. Compare Proverbs 6:29, Malachi 2:14-15, and Genesis 4:1.
V9 Neither let us see how far we can provoke Christ, as some of them also tempted Him, and were destroyed by snakes.
Provoke is an incitement. What, who, and why is provoked? Provoke is an incitement. What provokes God to anger is overt sin, deliberate rebellion, and challenging God. Provoking God has consequences, namely, judgment appropriate to the sin. The motive for provoking God is pride; our ways are better.
The Greek word tempt is G1598 ἐκπειράζω (ekpeirazó) means to tempt, put to the test, even to dare someone to do something. Vincent: “The compound word is very significant, “to tempt out” (ἐκ); tempt thoroughly; try to the utmost. It occurs in three other places: Matthew 4:7; Luke 4:12; Luke 10:25; and, in every case, is used of tempting or testing Christ.”
God tests as well to see if we have learned, will obey, and strengthen our faith. An example is Abraham in Genesis 22. Abraham passed the test.
Word Study dictionary: “Sinners are said to tempt God (Matthew 4:7; Luke 4:12; Luke 10:25; Acts 5:9, peirázō; 1 Corinthians 10:9), putting Him to the test, refusing to believe Him or His Word until He has manifested His power (Sept.: Deuteronomy 6:16; Deuteronomy 8:16; Psalm 78:18). When God is said to try (peirazō) man (Hebrews 11:17 [cf. Genesis 22:1; Exodus 15:25]), in no other sense can He do this (James 1:13) but to train in order to elevate a person as a result of the self-knowledge which may be won through these testings (peirasmoí [G3986]). Thus, man may emerge from his testings holier, humbler, stronger than when he entered in (James 1:2, James 1:12). Peirázō is predominantly used to try someone in order to show he is not approved of God but reprobate, in the hope that he will break down under the proof. Peirázō is also used for Satan’s solicitations (Matthew 4:1; 1 Corinthians 7:5; Revelation 2:10).”
V10 Nor whine as some of them did and were destroyed by the destroyer.
They were complaining instead of thanking God for His protection, guidance, character, supply, etc. They evidently wanted God to do what they wanted, but God is on the throne.
Proverbs 19:3 (NLT) People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD.
V11 Now all these things happened to them for examples. They are written as a warning to us, to whom the ends of the ages have come.
Therefore, we must not provoke God, disobey God, disbelieve God, and live in sin, what God forbids. Those who do sin will experience judgment.
V12 Therefore, the one who thinks he stands, beware lest he fall.
A warning about pride. We may have false thinking about what is true and live in that reality. However, it is not reality. We are to face reality. The only foundation is God, His kingdom, and His program.
V13 No temptation has taken you but what is common to humanity, but God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, and with the temptation, he will also make a way to escape, so that you can endure it.
This is enticement to sin. It happens to all, even the Lord Jesus—Hebrews 4:15 (VW) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
God loves us, and wishes for us to live according to His ways. Thus, He knows we will be tempted but provides a way out.
The provision might be assisting grace, a good friend, or even an accident.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (VW) And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather exult in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell upon me.
We learn:
• Not to provoke God.
• Not to disbelieve.
• Not to give into temptation but resist by relying on God’s strength.
Questions:
• Are you provoking God?
• How has God given you strength to resist temptation?