THE EXAMPLE OF ISRAEL'S FALL

Text:  I Corinthians 10:1-22.

Purpose:  To warn Christians of the possibility of falling by unbelief from God's favor, and to show how they can prevent such a fall by faithfulness (dependence, trust) toward God.

Introduction

God's people have always been tempted to think they are beyond danger because of past blessings, and to put their trust in their group identity rather than in God. Paul uses Israel in the wilderness as an example of this danger, pointing out reasons for their fall, and offering suggestions by which God's people today may avoid the same dreadful end. There is no reason why Christians should fall away; when they do, it is always because of their own faithlessness, not God's.

Body

I. Israel had great blessings and advantages (10: 1-5).

   A. All were baptized.

        1. They were immersed in the cloud and Sea, into a relationship with Moses as the leader of God's people.

        2. This was a divine act of deliverance from the slavery of the past.

        3. Here was the visible separation from the old, and the dramatic entry into the new life of freedom and the future.

        4. In this "baptism," Israel expressed by an act of obedience, its trust in God to deliver.

   B. All ate spiritual food.

   C. All drank spiritual drink.

II. Nevertheless, with most of them God was later displeased, and they perished in the wilderness (10:5).

III. From their example, Paul offers six suggestions by which Christians may avoid the same fate (10:6-22).

   A. Realize the possibility of falling (10:6, 11).

   B. Avoid common sins which tempt (10:6-10).

        1. Craving evil things.

        2. Idolatry (including covetousness).

        3. Immorality.

        4. Testing God (by not trusting Him to provide).

        5. Grumbling.

   C. Take heed personally (verse 12). No one is past danger if he stops depending on God day by day.

   D. Constantly depend on God's faithfulness (10:13).

        1. God is always faithful by nature.

        2. He will not allow an uncommon temptation.

        3. He will provide a way of escape.

   E. Flee temptation so far as possible (10:14).

   F. Nourish spiritual life by faithful participation in the Lord's Supper (10:15-22).

Conclusion

No one need fall from God's favor, though Israel's example shows the possibility. From that Old Testament story, Paul gives stem warning, analyzes the reasons for their falling, and makes positive suggestions for avoiding the same destiny. Let us always trust in God's faithfulness, and in that confidence let us persevere in faith ourselves.

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