The world has been called and identify as a wilderness in the Bible, and we as Christians had been warned to be smart and to be very careful in everything that we do in the world. If we are not prepared we can be swallowed up by the attractions and the sins from this world, so we must be steadfast and ready to recognize when we are in trouble.

1 Cor. 10:6,11 (NKJV) Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.... Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. The examples recorded in the Old Testament are there for a reason - Past lessons effect the wise differently than the fool –

For the Christian, The Danger of Falling is Real – And Must Be Taken Seriously! Hebrews 3:12-4:11; 2 Peter 1:5-10; 2:20-22

Related to 9:24-27 The Corinthians were baptized believers who partook of the Lords supper Many of them however were in jeopardy because of their carnality... Thus the example of Israel -

Egypt The world Pharaoh Satan Moses (deliverer) Jesus (deliverer) IsraelThe church Moses (Law giver) Jesus (Law giver) Cloud & Sea Baptism WildernessChristian life Canaan Heaven

1 Cor. 10:6 (NKJV) Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. Probably a reference to the Israelites who desired meat and return to Egypt – Num 11:4,34; Acts 7:39 The Corinthians faced a similar temptation – To partake in the idolatrous feasts, returning to their previous fellowship with idolatry.

1 Cor. 10:6 (NKJV) Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. What are some ways that we could be guilty of this sin? Desiring to fulfill fleshly desires unlawfully - Mat 5:28; Rom 1:27; 1 Thes 4:5; 2 Peter 2:10; Desiring to fulfill fleshly desires unlawfully - Mat 5:28; Rom 1:27; 1 Thes 4:5; 2 Peter 2:10; Desiring to walk in the works of darkness - Rom 13:13; Gal 5:16; Desiring to walk in the works of darkness - Rom 13:13; Gal 5:16; Loving the world and returning to it - 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Pet 2:21,22 Loving the world and returning to it - 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Pet 2:21,22

1 Cor. 10:7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." The Israelites & the golden calf - Ex 32:6-20 A real problem for the church at Corinth - 10:14-22 What are some ways that we could be guilty of idolatry?

1 Cor. 10:7 (NKJV) And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." 1) Our job 2) Our fun 3) Our family 4) Our hobby 1) Our job 2) Our fun 3) Our family 4) Our hobby CovetousnessCovetousness" is idolatry - Ep 5:5; Co 3:5 Whenever we make any thing other than God our priority in life, we are guilty of idolatry 1 John 2:15

1 Cor. 10:8 (NKJV) Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty- three thousand fell; whoredomRefers to the Israelites committing whoredom with the daughters of Moab – Num 25:1-3 wrathResulting in Gods wrath being poured out on them by means of a plague - Num 25:4-9 fallThis fall was brought about by Balaams strategic counsel to Balak – Num 31:16

1 Cor. 10:8 (NKJV) Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; Fornication Fornication – πορνεύω - porneuo ̄ Thayer Definition Thayer Definition: 1) to prostitute ones body to the lust of another 2) to give ones self to unlawful sexual intercourse With fornication being a socially acceptable activity due to paganism – the Christians at Corinth were confronted constantly with this temptation. fallingSo are we! - What can we do to prevent ourselves from falling to this temptation?

1 Cor. 10:8 (NKJV) Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty- three thousand fell; Preventing Fornication: UnderstandUnderstand the danger – Prov 5:1-3 consequencesUnderstand the consequences – Prov 5:4-6; 6:32; 9:16-18 RUNRUN (Listen to God) - Prov 5:7-14; 1 Cor 6:18; Gen 39:12-18 lawfullyFulfill sexual desires lawfully – Prov 5:15-20 watching!!God is watching!! – Prov 5:21-23

1 Cor. 10:9 (NKJV) nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; Israel was not satisfied with Gods provisions – Numbers 21:4,5 God sent fiery serpents – Num 21:6-9 How might the Corinthians be tempted to fall prey to the same sin? How would they accept Pauls rebukes, restrictions, & instructions? Would they desire to return to the world rather than comply?

1 Cor. 10:9 (NKJV) nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; What About Us? materialism?Could we become unsatisfied with the spiritual blessings promised in Christ and long for materialism? pursueCould we become dissatisfied with the spiritual work that God has given the church to do and pursue secular work? please usCould we become dissatisfied with the worship God has prescribed and seek worship styles that please us instead?

1 Cor. 10:10 (NKJV) nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Because of their dissatisfaction with Gods dealings with them – Israel complained, and did so often – Numbers 14:1-4; 16:1-48, (41) God destroyed them – Num 16:21-35,45-48 The Corinthians could be guilty of the sin of murmuring due to the instructions given them Regarding: Division (1-3), church discipline (5), internal lawsuits & behavior (6) MDR (7)association with idolatrous practices forbidden (8,9)

1 Cor. 10:10 (NKJV) nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Do not grumble against one another – James 5:9 Being hospitable to one another – 1 Peter 4:9 Do all things without complaining – Phili 2:14 Certainly we would never have a problem with complaining...

1 Cor. 10:11 (NKJV)... Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. The examples recorded in the Old Testament are there for a reason - Past lessons effect the wise different than the fool –

fallingThe danger of falling is just as real for us as it was for the Israelites and Corinthians... foolishTo think that we cannot fall is foolish... 1 Cor. 10:11 (NKJV)... Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Cor. 10:12 (NKJV) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

1 Cor. 10:13 (NKJV) No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Temptation will come! God is faithful – The devil is limited – God will provide a way of escape We can do it