“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 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.” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)
In the 21st Century our culture ignores or redefines sin as something normal and acceptable. Sin provides profitable fodder for the media and the entertainment industry. It is exalted and promoted as something which is a personal right or lifestyle choice with no adverse consequences. If we believers are not careful, we will be seduced into thinking and living in an ungodly manner. And many have.
Paul’s words to the Corinthian believers addressed a similar dangerous attitude manifested by some of the Corinthian believers who viewed the Lord’s Table and Baptism in a somewhat superstitious manner. They presumed that these rites gave them automatic blessings that protected them from falling into sin. Eventually, they came to believe that nothing they did was sinful. Thus they had nothing to fear from engaging idolatry or sexual immorality because they were protected by their glorified spiritual status.
Paul reminded them that the ancient Israelites had shared a similar presumption because of their status as the chosen people. Yet when they engaged in sexual immorality and idolatry they were severely punished. Paul indicates that God’s discipline awaits those who continue to live in immorality. Rather than considering our flirtations with sin to be the mere exercise of Christian freedom, we must reject sin and resist temptation. The allure of sin is great but with God’s help it can always be resisted so we need never sin. There is always a way of escape that God provides. And though we fall, we know we have forgiveness for our sins. And yet, we should never presume that we can do whatever we want anyway. Although sin is acceptable in the world, in the Kingdom of God it is evil and destructive. It always has unforeseen and unfortunate consequences.