I Corinthians 9, Escape from Temptation.

 

I Corinthians 9 – Escape From Temptation

Paul told the Corinthians what happened to the Israelites when they crossed on dry land toward the promised land. He told how they rebelled against God and died in the wilderness. Paul spoke of their idolatry, and many were destroyed because of it These Israelites had come from Egypt where idolatry was commonplace. When they were out in the wilderness they did not put their faith and trust in God, but tried to take care of their problems as they were shown back in Egypt. Moses had taught them that any graven image was idolatry, so they knew it was wrong, yet the temptation was too strong for them when Moses was up on the mountain and no longer among the people.

Believers should never be shocked or discouraged by encountering temptation. Satan fights against believers and will mount an assault at every opportunity. God knows that all human beings are tempted, and that people will be tempted by different things. Being tempted is not a sin, giving in to temptation is. God promises that He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. He also provides “the way of escape.” Every time we face temptation, we can know that God will help us through it. We should look for His way of escape and then run for the door!

Christian freedom does not mean that believers can live as they please. Christians have freedom with responsibility to live according to the guidelines found in God’s Word. Some Christians make guidelines for themselves based on their own scruples. These guidelines should not be forced upon others, but believers should respect one another’s guidelines. To force others to live according to our scruples is legalism. To show respect for another’s scruples exhibits Christian love.

 

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