1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Through the example of Israel, Paul leads us to consider the tremendous responsibility of professing Christians. Outwardly they have participated in the choicest spiritual blessings: Christ, His work, His Spirit, His Word . . . (vv. 3, 4). But God cannot take pleasure in most of them because they lack faith (v. 5; Hebrews 10:38). Through the history of the people in the wilderness, the Lord gives us a sad example of what our hearts can produce, even under the cloak of Christianity: covetousness, idolatry, murmuring . . . He solemnly warns us what these fruits of the flesh deserve, in spite of the fact that grace operates on behalf of the believer. Now this evil which is within us, the devil tries to draw out with his attractions so as to cause us to fall – and that at the very moment when we thought that we could stand in our own strength (v. 12)! But "God is faithful"; how encouraging to think of that! Aware of our weakness, He will not allow Satan to try us beyond what each one can stand (see Job 1:12; Job 2:6). He has prepared beforehand a victorious outcome to the trial (v. 13). Let us rely on these promises every time that the enemy appears on the scene. Yes, God is faithful!