There is nothing like being in your early 20’s. Most people feel like they’re invincible. I know I did. The Corinthian Christians are spiritually there. They think that nothing they do can hurt them - even eating meat sacrificed to idols! Saint Paul dealt with the effects of this brazeness on other Christians in Chapter 8. Here he returns to the subject. He reminds the Corinthians that they stand in the line of the Hebrews as God’s chosen people. They carry a great legacy! But he also reminds them how the Hebrews constantly fell to idolatry.
11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. (1 Corinthians 10:11-14)
While you and I don’t deal with idolatry, how often do we fall into sin because we do not flee it. Do we dance around sin? Do we play with fire expecting not to get burned? The Corinthians Christians are overconfident. We must ask ourselves:
Am I overconfident and think I’m invincible?
How do I hurt my faith and cause myself to stumble or put myself in bad situations?
But Saint Paul also gives a perscription to the Corinthian Christians.
Don't Try to Stand Alone
“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”
(1 Corinthians 10:12)Don’t Neglect the Sacrament of Holy Communion
16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. (1 Cor. 10:16-17)
Don’t try to stand on your own. Life it too difficult. Jesus does not intend for us to try to follow him by ourselves and on our own power. As we face challenges, embrace Jesus Christ and his Church.
If you did not hear this Sunday’s Sermon or would like to review it. It is available on Sound Cloud here. https://soundcloud.com/lakewood-anglican/9-23-18-series-on-first-corinthians-sermon-10-youre-not-invincible