Twin City church of Christ Blog
“Apr 23, 2024 - I'm Not Immune”
Categories: 2024 Reading DevotionalsI’m Not Immune
Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:6-13
Paul takes us back to the story of Israel in the wilderness to remind us to remain humble. Although the whole nation was saved from slavery, most of them only frustrated God. This is not just history; “these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did”(1 Cor 10:6). They worshiped a golden calf in the shadow of Sinai (1 Cor 10:7). They practiced sexual immorality with the women of Moab (1 Cor 10:8). They tested God and questioned his purposes in bringing them out of Egypt (1 Cor 10:9). Mostly, they continually complained about every unpleasantness they encountered (1 Cor 10:10). The broader picture is of a bitter, entitled, rebellious people.
That all makes for easy reading, but Paul warns us. “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall”(1 Cor 10:12). These stories are an “example” for us; they are there “for our instruction.” We can’t afford to think that we would never behave similarly. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it”(1 Cor 10:13). The temptations we face are “common to man,” just like those in the desert. “God is faithful” to not allow temptation to exceed our ability to resist it, providing a way out so that we do not have to sin. Yet this all hinges on the humility to acknowledge that we can fall too.
It is remarkably easy to criticize and condemn others who sin. We do that when reading Bible stories and when observing others’ lives. But I’m not immune from the same temptations and struggles that destroyed them. I’m not immune from abandoning God, compromising my morality, testing him, or complaining about his choices. I’m not immune from falling after a great deliverance. “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”
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One Thing to Think About: Do I ever think I’m different—better—immune?
One Thing to Pray For: Eyes to perceive God’s way of escape when I’m tempted
