Our Ways of Escape 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

God’s Promise “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 the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

The Examples of Israel Israel repeatedly failed to take the ways of escape God made for them, 1 Cor. 10:1-11 Their examples show the ways of escape God makes for us, 1 Cor. 10:6, 11 Will we take God’s ways of escape when we are tempted, or will we fall like Israel? 1 Cor. 10:12-13

God Sustained Israel Physically and spiritually, 1 Cor. 10:1-5 Godly leadership, 10:1-2 Miraculous food and water, 10:3-4; Psa. 78:19-20 Spiritual sustenance of the Divine Presence, 10:4; Psalm 62:5-8 Law, land, and blessings, Nehemiah 9:13-15 Presumptuous and rebellious, 9:16-17 God was not pleased, 10:5; Heb. 3:15-19

Israel’s Sins – Ways of Escape Sin of Lust, 10:6; Numbers 11:4-10 Israel unthankful and unsatisfied – Lusted after “evil things” Way of Escape: Thankful Contentment with God’s Gifts Do not lust (covet), Exodus 20:17 (14); Romans 13:11-14 Concentrate on your spiritual wealth

Israel’s Sins – Ways of Escape Sin of Idolatry, 10:7; Exodus 32:1-7 Israel trusted in themselves, not the unseen God who spoke from the mountain Way of Escape: Flee and Remember God (increase faith), 10:14; Matt. 22:37; Col. 3:5 Remember your cleansing, 2 Peter 1:9 Trust and obey God’s word that He has spoken by His Son

Israel’s Sins – Ways of Escape Sin of Fornication, 10:8; Numbers 25:1-3, 6-12 (31:16; Rev. 2:14); Psalm 106:28-31 Driven by lust, Israel defiled herself Way of Escape: Kill the Flesh…Flee the Sin 1 Thess. 4:3-7; Col. 3:5; 1 Cor. 6:18; Matt. 5:27-30 Respect the holiness of your body Remove every obstacle to holiness

Israel’s Sins – Ways of Escape Sin of Testing Christ, 10:9; Numbers 21:4-6 Psalm 78:18 Israel criticized God’s will and provisions Way of Escape: Trust God’s Ways and Obey Him Num. 21:8-9; Heb. 13:5-6 Faithfully obey Christ Be content with God’s presence

Israel’s Sins – Ways of Escape Sin of Murmuring, 10:10; Numbers 11:1; 14:2; 16:41 Israel complained about circumstance, food, leadership and their God Way of Escape: Faith in God’s Purposes, Provisions and Salvation, Psalm 78:21-25; Rom. 8:35-37

Warning Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12)

Divine Assurance 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 the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)