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 1 Corinthians 10 - Of a Warning, Take by Me

Meghan and Tyler

        In the famous Irish Song, Peter Street, the duped and shamed sailor says, “Of a warning take by me.”  Sometimes we have to listen to the warning of our friends.  In this chapter the warning comes from God; so I’m listening.

God never changes.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  We are told to remember that Jesus Christ led Moses and the Israelites out of Egypt.  Israel in the wilderness is a warning to us, the present-day people of God, the Church.  Paul says the Israelites were all baptized followers of Moses - I never thought of that baptism before (10:3).  The Israelites all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual water - their source and provider was Christ.  And we, God’s children, are like the Israelites.  We are all baptized followers of Christ and eat and drink from the Spirit of Christ.  They were waiting to enter the promised land.  We wait for Christ's return (2 Peter 3:10, Matthew 25:31-46, John 14:1-3, Revelation 3:11, Colossians 3:4, Revelation 11:15, Matthew 16:27, etc.).

The Bible gives warnings for a reason.  Be wary of anyone preaching in this chapter who glosses over the warning and goes straight to “do not worry, you are all fine, do whatever you like, you’ve got a ticket to ride.”  We hear that a lot these days.  False teachers, money men.  God does not make mistakes and he does not mess around (10:6-11).  Church, please listen to God’s warning.

Mess around with pagan revelry, sexual immorality, grumbling and discontent over your blessed situation, and constantly putting Christ to the test and find out - you will fall.  

God seeks to help us endure, provide us with a path to safety, and benefit the Church.  You know what I mean if you’ve ever walked away from an evil employment situation, bad influences, bad habits, or any kind of sin.  Yet despite God’s great love and extreme patience, we must not worship at the altar of money, power, and prestige.  Many in the Church participate with demons in the soul-destroying work of Satan and give lip service only to the Almighty on the occasional Sunday morning.  If we live like that God is clear in this chapter that we will sow dysfunction, division, and death.  We've been warned.

Let’s be reasonable (10:15).  Let’s use our common sense, our God-given sense.  Let’s do what works well and never arouse the Lord God’s jealousy (10:22).

Today is a day to be steadfast for Jesus, with purpose in every step, deliberation, and force in every punch.  As Christ’s bride you will glorify God by what you say and do.  By what you watch and think.  Do not give offense.  Be winsome and pleasing.

Please help us Lord God to help and serve others.  Help us yearn for and ask for the most helpful Spiritual Gifts - not self-serving nonsense.  We know that many more will be in heaven because of You, Lord God, and how You work through Your people.  Please help us to be faithful and loyal people today - not devoted to worldly powers.  Help us to imitate You, Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.



My daughter, Meghan Grace (it's her B-day today), and her youngest, Colton.


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