Message from Scripture: 6/30/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 Cor. 10:12; “So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall.”

This passage of Scripture is offered by Paul in the context of the nation of Israel, and how God’s people then often stumbled into sin, which brought serious consequences with it. Some fell into idolatry, others in immorality, and some even grumbling against God. Twice Paul said they served as examples to us who live under the covenant of grace in Christ. We are not to desire those sinful things that would mislead us and cause us to be deceived into think such practices are of no consequence to God.

These failings are to serve as teaching tools for us. When Paul said they were written for our instruction, the term means any word of encouragement or reproof that leads to correct behavior. He wants us to understand we are not superior to those who have gone before us when it comes to being tempted, to giving in to temptation, to being hardened by the influence of sin that, instead of standing firm in our faith, we fall into sin.

The Hebrew writer put it this way. “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness” (Heb. 3:13). James also reminds us, “Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (Jas. 1:14-15). Sin does not offer anything good to us! It works through deceit, it drags us off and destroys our relationship with God as it destroys us. God offers us a better way, but only if we recognize what is happening to us, that we can let go of sin, run back to God, and find His forgiveness again.

We should measure our lives by the fulness of the life of Christ (Eph. 4:13), and never let Satan have a foothold in our thoughts or our feelings. Watch out so you don’t fall. God bless.

Robert