1 Corinthians 10:1-13
In this meditation, I really want to focus on verse 13 that says – “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
Before we look at that verse, I want us to briefly look at the preceding verses because there are some powerful truths we need to consider.
The Apostle Paul, in these first verses, focuses on the children of Israel and how they lived with Moses as their leader. God chose this tiny nation of people for a special covenant relationship. Through them, He wanted to display His love, grace and goodness to all the world. Frequently they forgot God and got caught up in all kinds of idolatry, sexual immorality, unholy alliances that greatly displeased God, and He disciplined them deeply. Verse 5 says, “But with most of them, God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.” To say that God was not pleased with most of them is a major understatement.
When God delivered them from Egyptian bondage, over two million were emancipated. All of them made that miraculous Red Sea crossing. I am not sure what their what fighting forces numbered, but you can be certain it was great. How many of their fighting men entered the promised land – TWO – Caleb and Joshua. The rest perished in the wilderness.
1. Here is a great lesson. God is never pleased with any kind of sin. Sin hinders our fellowship with God.
2. Another lesson we need to heed is found in 10:1-4. Privilege does not assure us of success. It is so easy for us to thrive on our success and forget the God who made us successful.
3. In verses 5-12, we see that a good beginning does not mean we will have a good ending. Consider Saul who became the first king of Israel. The people wanted to be like the other nations. They were tired of the rule of God. So, God decided to honor their insistence and chose Saul to be their king. In 1 Samuel 9:2, we read “And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward, he was taller than any of the people.”
- As you follow his life, and leadership you see a man with great potential, great charisma, a great beginning – But, over time, he stopped listening to God and in the end, he falls on his own sword in the heat of the battle.
- Judas was one of the twelve for over three years, as he traveled with Jesus. In the end, he betrayed Jesus and finally took his own life. A good beginning does not guarantee a good ending.
Don’t miss what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:12
“Therefore, let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall.” Anyone of us can fail.
4. Here is another lesson we need to learn and it is a great one — God is able to help us overcome any trial, trouble or temptation if we listen to His word and rely on Him. 1 Corinthians 10:13
In Philippians 4:13, Paul testified – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
· I don’t know about you, but I frequently have more than I can handle.
But here is the great truth I want to share with you in 1 Corinthians 10:13 – I NEVER HAVE MORE THAN MY LORD CAN HANDLE! Praise God, it is true.
I want to close with a further expression by Paul that reinforces the truth just shared. In 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 we read, “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we faced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, for beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answers to the prayers of many.”
5. One last lesson – do not underestimate the impact of our prayers. WOW!
Paul said in these verses, “He will continue to help us by your prayers. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.” 2 Corinthians 1:11
We do not need to be eloquent in our prayers, we just need to pray from our hearts.
I hope you are encouraged We will frequently have trouble that overwhelms us – but it will never overwhelm our God.
Victory in Jesus,
Pastor Leonard
