History is invaluable. It’s true that “those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat it.” That’s why Paul gives us a lesson from the past to warn us in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 10, of what will happen if we continue in the sins of our fathers.

Look at 5 sins that destroyed a whole generation in the nation of Israel. These examples, by the way, are “written for our instruction” so that we would not do the same.

#1 CRAVING EVIL THINGS
“Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.” (vs. 6)

#2 IDOLATRY
“Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, ‘the people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.'” (vs. 7)

#3 IMMORALITY
“Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. (vs. 8)

#4 TRYING THE LORD
“Nor let us try the Lord, as some of the did, and were destroyed by the serpents.” (vs. 9)

#5 GRUMBLING
“Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.” (vs. 10)

WE CAN OVERCOME
A reminder and a simple, easy-to-follow instruction follow these five deadly sins:

1. There’s no temptation you’ll encounter that others have not faced and there’s always a way out, provided by God (vs. 13)
2. You must RUN from any form of idolatry, i.e., anything you worship and serve and love from than God. (vs. 14)

In our pride, we can think that we are above the rules on these—to our detriment. Or, we can seriously and humbly thank God for His gracious warning and repent.

 

©2013 Bill Elliff.  Originally posted on Bill Elliff’s Blog at thesummitchurch.org