Sermon Direct Link
11/19/23
Rev. Clint Smith
Do not touch that! Children in every culture must learn the dos and don’ts of their society. The easiest way to learn is by example. Adults in a child’s life ought to model correct behavior. The Apostle Paul gives the Church at Corinth a history lesson, a warning, and encouragement.
The Apostle Paul looked back to Israel’s history during their exodus from Egypt.
• All of the Hebrews experienced the Divine presence of God Who went before them in a Pillar of Cloud. Exodus 13:21-22; Numbers 9:15-23
• All of the Hebrews passed miraculously and safely through the Red Sea on dry ground. Exodus 14:19-31
• All of the Hebrews were baptized into Moses, that is into his safekeeping as their leader. They were identified with Moses and his deliverance by passing through the Red Sea and following God’s presence in the cloud. Exodus 14
• All of the Hebrews ate the same spiritual food – [manna from Heaven]. Exodus 16; Numbers 11:7
• All of the Hebrews drank the same spiritual water, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. Exodus 17
• God was not pleased with most of the Hebrews due to their sin. Psalm 78:31-41 [ALL]
The warnings and admonitions took place and were recorded as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as the Hebrews did.
We must not be like those who sinned. They experienced supernatural acts of a loving God, yet were rebellious in their hearts.
• Some of the Hebrews were idolaters and were killed by God.
• Some of the Hebrews indulged in and tolerated sexual immorality. God struck twenty-three thousand dead in a single day.
• Some of the Hebrews tested God’s patience. They questioned His purpose and exploited His goodness. These were killed by serpents.
• Some of the Hebrews complained and were discontented with God. They were destroyed by the destroyer. It is not wrong to complain to God, but it is wrong to complain about God.
This is the equipping word for us today – no one is immune to temptation, so we should not be overconfident and self-righteous, otherwise we might fall into sin and condemnation just like the Hebrews.
God is faithful to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy. He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability to resist, but along with the temptation He has in the past and is now and will always provide the way out. Why would God do this? So you will be able to endure temptations that come in your life and have His complete joy in the process.
