TAKING SIN SERIOUSLY

1 CORINTHIANS 10:6–11

Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted

(1 Cor. 10:6).

The Old Testament is extremely useful to us today not only because it reveals God’s will for His people in all ages, but it serves as a warning. The pages of Scripture are filled with examples of those who disobeyed God, who lusted after evil, and who paid the price for their wanton disobedience. Paul used the examples of the Israelites to warn the Corinthians against fulfilling the lusts of their flesh. He warned them against idolatry, sexual immorality, and tempting Christ, and complaining against God. These are common sins among people today, just as in the days of the Israelites and the Corinthians.

God’s judgment should never be passed over lightly as so many in our day are guilty of doing. Many look to the plagues and judgments of God in the Old Testament and say such things have no relevance today. But Paul, a minister of the Gospel, employs these examples as a testimony of God’s judgment against sin. The apostle is saying in these verses that if you continue to sin, no matter what kind of profession you have made in the past, you will meet the same destiny as the Israelites. There is no surer sign of being in an unregenerate state than to remain in bondage to sin, to live a life of lust, complaining against God, worshiping created things rather than the Creator, challenging Christ like Satan in the wilderness, and indulging in sexual immorality.

When the Israelites built the golden calf, they proclaimed the feast to Yahweh (Ex. 32:6). They might actually have thought they were worshiping God by making an idol. Like some of the Corinthians who participated in idolatrous festivals, and like many today who worship God according to their own designs instead of according to God’s dictates, the Israelites would have probably defended themselves against the charge of idolatry. But, despite their intentions, God punished them because they dishonored Him. Let each of us be warned that God takes sin seriously, that it does not go overlooked, that if we continue in it, unrepentant and thus unforgiven, we will be cast out as unprofitable servants. But thanks be to God, we do not have to remain in our sins. We can humble ourselves before Christ, confess our sins, turn from our wickedness, and, by the grace of God, live in purity and holiness.

CORAM DEO

2 Chronicles 3–4

John 15

WEEKEND

2 Chronicles 5–6

John 16

The Israelites sinned against God by worshiping the golden calf. Whether they were worshiping God wrongly or totally turning against Him, they still committed idolatry. Read Exodus 32:30–35. What is God’s response? What does this say about God’s attitude toward sin? If you have any unconfessed sin, confess and repent of it today.

For further study: Ex. 32 • Num. 14; 16; 21:4–9