Warnings to Modern Day "Corinthians"

Warnings to Modern Day "Corinthians"

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:11
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I.     Corinth Was a Prosperous, but Sin-Filled City

A.   Paul did not hesitate to come and preach the gospel in such an environment proving that "where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (Rom 5:20).

B.   People living in such a sinful environment today also need the same four exhortations Paul gave to the Corinthian Christians (1 Cor. 10:7-10).

II.   Beware of Idolatry

A.   "Neither be ye idolaters" (1 Cor. 10:7). The verb translated "be ye" is ‎gínesthe ‎meaning, "keep becoming." There is an insidiousness about idolatry as we tend to conform to the values of our society.

B.   Paul uses the illustration of the Israelites in the wilderness where they "offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings: and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play" (Ex 32:6). The Israelites imitated the false worship of the peoples around them rather than waiting for Moses to come down from the mountain with God's instructions.

    

III.  Beware of Fornication

A.   "Neither let us commit fornication" (1 Cor 10:8). The verb is in the present subjunctive which indicates continuous action. Again, our culture is inundated with sexual messages urging constant gratification.

B.   Paul refers to the time of Israel's stay in Shittim where the men were enticed by the women of Moab into committing fornication with them and later idolatry as well (Num 25:1,2).

IV.  Beware of a Complaining Attitude

A.   "Neither let us tempt Christ" (1 Cor 10:9). The verb ‎ekpeirázœmen ‎is also in the present subjunctive, warning us against constantly complaining.

B.   When Israel blamed God and Moses for their poor diet in the wilderness, many were destroyed by "fiery serpents" (Num 21:4-6). Paul says these lessons are for our good as well (1 Cor 10:11).

V.   Beware of a Spirit of Dissatisfaction

A.   "Neither murmur ye" (1 Cor 10:10). The verb is ‎goggúzete ‎in the present imperative meaning "to manifest sullen discontent."

B.   Because of Israel's negative attitude toward God in the wilderness despite His provision for them, God allowed none of them to go into the Promised Land except Caleb, Joshua, and those under twenty years of age (Num 14:22-30). What an admonition to Christians today!