In chapter 10 Paul reveals a solid understanding of his audience. He knew, for instance, that despite his warnings the Christians of Corinth would never believe that calamity could befall them even if they continued to live in selfish exploitation of their freedoms. After all, they were greatly gifted (1 Corinthians 12) and greatly blessed (chapter 4). How could they possibly fall under God’s wrath? Paul illustrates exactly how in these first 10 verses by using an example from history; an example of another people who also knew God’s gifts and blessings, and still suffered his judgment. Israel.

By “forefathers” Paul refers to the fledgling nation of Israel, from whom came the Savior of the world, as they made their flight from Egypt. They followed a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, and every one of them passed through the Red Sea on dry ground. In this way they were all identified with Moses — they were God’s chosen people. Father God even provided for them daily food, and water from a rock in the desert to drink. Paul gives us insight here that we receive nowhere else in the Bible, that Christ was even present at this great event. This is necessary so that the Corinthians would not be inclined to dismiss Paul’s example by arguing that the Israelites didn’t have Jesus and were therefore lesser. Truly the Israelites were blessed. Even so, they suffered the discipline of God. An entire generation died in the wilderness wanderings, because they were found unworthy of the Promised Land.

Why were they unworthy? Because they committed many of the very sins the people of Corinth were now flirting with in their new found liberty: idolatry (Exodus 32.1-.8 and 1 Corinthians 8.4-.7), sexual immorality (Numbers 25.1-.9 and 1 Corinthians 5.1-.13), testing God’s jealousy (Numbers 21.4-.9 and 1 Corinthians 10.18-.22), and grumbling (Numbers 14.26-.38 and 1 Corinthians 1.10-.12). This passage is also further evidence that 9.24-.27 are not referring to losing one’s salvation, as we observe the example of Moses. While Moses maintained his faithfulness, he broke faith with God at Kadesh (Numbers 20). As a result, he lost his reward, his prize, and was kept from entering the land. This fits with 9.23-.27 and is further evidence that this passage is not talking about losing one’s salvation, but losing the blessing of faithful ministry.

So Paul warns the Corinthians using the example of Israel and offers one final warning:

“If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you do not fall!”

And just in case he may have made his point too well, Paul offers them hope phrased eloquently in .13: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” What a wonderful gift! What a glorious promise! We can overcome our most favorite sins. We can be tempted in the worst way and stand up to it, because God promises to provide us with a way to stand firm. This does not mean we will never fall to temptation, hence the warning of verse 12. It does mean that when we fall it is our fault, not God’s. He is a faithful God, He will provide our way out, and when we fall He will also forgive us our sins.

This verse also runs counter to the worlds philosophy that the devil, our parents, our upbringing, or even too much violence on T.V. are responsible for forming us and causing us to do everything we do. Even such ordinarily solid leaders like Dr. James Dobson has tried to link the cause of serial murderer Ted Bundy’s actions with pornography. While pornography is sinful, it did not compel Ted Bundy to murder others. Rather, the common thread of his lack of value for humanity (linked to decisions he made) is probably the cause of both sins. Verse 13 clearly teaches that pornography did not cause him to murder, that is a choice he made all by himself, and one which he is responsible for. The good news of verse 13, that God will provide us a way out so that we may “stand up” under it runs in contrast to most people’s preference of just wanting a way out. Our lives in Christ are ever dependent on our leaning on Him for support so that in difficult circumstances we may stand.