Idolatry is Crafty
It's always amazing how good things can so easily become ultimate things. There were those in the church at Corinth who felt strong enough as Christians to indulge in whatever meat was available. Just like today there are many Christians who can do some things other Christians couldn't handle due to their past addictions.
But Paul warns the strong. He tells them not to get overconfident. He shows them how Israel is a great example. That thought they walked through water and were led by the cloud and saw the miracles of Moses - even still - they soon forsook God and worshipped idols soon after.
The point? Idolatry is crafty. Even after you've been saved. If we have moved on from drugs, materialism, addiction, lust and other famous sins, once saved our heart goes to work fashioning newer, "more acceptable" idols for our post-conversion life. Pride, arrogance, "super" Christianity that begins to think I can do it on my own! We never come to a place where we have "made" it and can do this life on our own.
The problem begins with thinking we had something to do with getting saved! All we did was respond to God's leading and invitation. Just as the Rock followed the Israelites and fed them, Christ is the bread of life and the water of life who saved and sustains us. When we start thinking we've arrived, we achieved, we made it.
What does Paul say to that?
1 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV) let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
Evidently, the "strong" Christians in Corinth had become intolerable to their "weaker" brothers. How often that happens to the church today.
Then Paul writes one of the great memory verses of the church:
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) 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.
But Paul warns the strong. He tells them not to get overconfident. He shows them how Israel is a great example. That thought they walked through water and were led by the cloud and saw the miracles of Moses - even still - they soon forsook God and worshipped idols soon after.
The point? Idolatry is crafty. Even after you've been saved. If we have moved on from drugs, materialism, addiction, lust and other famous sins, once saved our heart goes to work fashioning newer, "more acceptable" idols for our post-conversion life. Pride, arrogance, "super" Christianity that begins to think I can do it on my own! We never come to a place where we have "made" it and can do this life on our own.
The problem begins with thinking we had something to do with getting saved! All we did was respond to God's leading and invitation. Just as the Rock followed the Israelites and fed them, Christ is the bread of life and the water of life who saved and sustains us. When we start thinking we've arrived, we achieved, we made it.
What does Paul say to that?
1 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV) let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
Evidently, the "strong" Christians in Corinth had become intolerable to their "weaker" brothers. How often that happens to the church today.
Then Paul writes one of the great memory verses of the church:
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) 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.
I've always thought of that verse in terms of my strength, my ability, and my opportunity to overcome the temptations of my life. But that is not the point of this verse at all. The point is the three words in the middle, "God is faithful" and then "He will not let you..." and "He will provide the way..." Just like Moses and the Rock in the wilderness, Jesus is the source for every victory every day.
May we take heed to Christ our strength and Rock. It is only by Grace that we stand, and His Grace is enough.
Psalm 18:31–32 (ESV) For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?— 32 the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless.
PRAYER:
Father, as I begin this day, help me to rely and remember that YOU are my sustinance and You are the strength of my life. You are my fortress and strong tower, in You I stand, apart from You I can do nothing. Amen.
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