Family Churchman 1 Corinthians 10:6-13 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.… The history of Israel in the wilderness is a history of human ingratitude and rebellion; and a history of Divine retribution, graciously tempered by Divine forbearance and mercy. The apostle takes occasion to warn Christians against falling into a snare which proved so fatal to multitudes of the chosen nation. I. LIFE ABOUNDS IN TEMPTATIONS TO MURMURING. 1. Some such are common to the human lot: e.g., infirmity of body, brevity of life, limitation of mental powers, imperfections of human society. 2. There are others more peculiar and special, e.g., personal sufferings and privations, bereavements, severe toil, uncongenial occupations, calamities, disappointments, trials and persecutions for Christ's sake. II. THE MURMURING HERE CENSURED CONSISTS IN REBELLIOUS DISSATISFACTION AND COMPLAINTS. 1. The reference is not to a just disapproval of sinful conduct in men. We are not required to acquiesce contentedly in a fatalistic view of human affairs. 2. But we are forbidden to murmur against God, His ways and His will. And not only is discontented language to be repressed; the habit of feeling which thus finds vent is to be checked. Who is there whose conscience does not reproach him for having sinned in this respect? III. THERE ARE CONSIDERATIONS WHICH SHOULD ACT AS DISSUASIVES AND CORRECTIVES TO MURMURING. 1. The injurious moral effect which a murmuring habit has upon the character of those who give way to its encroachment. 2. The unhappy effect produced upon society by the prevalence of this habit. 3. The dishonour done to God's righteous and beneficent Providence. 4. The example of our Lord Jesus Christ should have great weight with His disciples; He neither complained of His lot of suffering, nor reviled those who wronged Him. 5. The prospect of a speedy and happy issue out of His afflictions should lead the Christian to bear with patience the appointed burden without murmuring or complaint. (Family Churchman.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. |
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