May 10
“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 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 10:11-13.
The apostle Paul repeats what he had written earlier to the Corinthians: “All these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” Paul was telling the Corinthians and all future generations, “Take to heart what has been written and preserved from the history of the children of Israel so that we do not make the same mistakes!” They were guilty of idolatry, guilty of living in sexual immorality, and guilty of complaining against God.
The apostle adds another admonition: “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” Presently, we are standing firmly in the faith. We have our trust and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ who has redeemed us. However, let us not fall for the temptation which tells us that because we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, we can live and do as we please.
Indeed, we are saved by faith alone, but faith is never alone. “Faith without works is dead,” James 2:20. Saving faith is not only a matter of the mouth. Saving faith is a complete trust in Jesus as the Son of God and our only Savior, who fulfilled the Commandments in our place. Then He took all our sins upon Himself and carried them to Calvary’s cross, where He suffered and died to pay the price for our redemption. He rose again and conquered sin, death, and the devil for us. When we believe this, we will live a Christian life, and by our works express our thanksgiving to God for calling us to faith in the Savior.
Scripture warns us that temptations will come from our own sinful flesh, from the world, and from the devil. We must carry on a constant battle against the multitude of temptations. “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed,” James 1:14. Others also tempt us: “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent,” Proverbs 1:10. The devil never goes on vacation or takes time off! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith,” 1 Peter 5:8-9.
Remember that, “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.” God will always give you a way to conquer the temptation and a way to escape! To deal with all of the difficulties and temptations, flee to the Word of God: “Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God,” Ephesians 6:13-17.
I walk in danger all the way. The tho’t shall never leave me,
That Satan, who has marked his prey, Is plotting to deceive me.
This Foe with hidden snares, May seize me unawares,
If e’er I fail to watch and pray. I walk in danger all the way.
I walk with Jesus all the way, His guidance never fails me;
Within His wounds I find a stay, When Satan’s power assails me;
And by His footsteps led, My path I safely tread.
In spite of ills that threaten may, I walk with Jesus all the way. Amen.