How can we avoid setting our hearts on evil things as they did? The Warning in Context “Now these things took place as examples to keep us from craving evil things as they did.” (1 Corinthians 10:6) What Went Wrong for Israel • Idolatry: “Do not be idolaters, as some of them were” (v. 7; cf. Exodus 32:1–6) • Immorality: “We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did” (v. 8; cf. Numbers 25:1–9) • Testing the Lord: “We should not test Christ, as some of them did” (v. 9; cf. Numbers 21:4–6) • Grumbling: “Do not grumble, as some of them did” (v. 10; cf. Numbers 14:1–4) Guarding Our Hearts Today • Fix your mind on things above (Colossians 3:1–2). • Guard your inner life: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23) • Flee idolatry—anything that rivals Christ’s place (1 Corinthians 10:14). • Walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16–17). • Cultivate holy fear and reverence: “Serve God acceptably with reverence and awe.” (Hebrews 12:28–29) Practices That Redirect Desire Toward God 1. Daily Scripture intake—“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) 2. Continual prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 3. Corporate worship and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24–25). 4. Gratitude and contentment—“Be content with what you have.” (Hebrews 13:5; cf. Philippians 4:11–13). 5. Accountability with mature believers (Proverbs 27:17). God’s Faithful Escape Route “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 an escape, so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) Living the Lesson Keep remembering Israel’s story, keep looking to Christ’s victory, and keep choosing the paths of obedience He lays before you. |
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