1 Corinthians 10:1-12 The Devil’s WMD

1.   LUST (v 6)

      a.   Refers to the non-Jews who came up out of Egypt with the Israelites – Numbers 11:4 (cf Ex 12:38)

      b.   We cannot allow those who are not true children of God influence us and our attitudes toward God and His Word.

            i.   1 Kings 11 – Solomon’s sin

            ii.  Galatians 2:4-5

2.   IDOLATRY (v 7)

      a.   Anything that comes b/w me and the Lord is my god.

      b.   covetousness = idolatry – Colossians 3:5

      c.   We can covet many things:

            i.   WEALTH

                  (1) Balaam – 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11

                  (2) Judas – John 12:6

                  (3) 1 Timothy 6:9-10

            ii.  INFLUENCE

                  (1) Aaron & Miriam – Numbers 12

                  (2) sons of Korah – Numbers 16

                  (3) Absalom

            iii. ACCEPTANCE / POPULARITY:

                  (1) Luke 6:26

                  (2) Ananias & Sapphira

      d.   This includes all the peripheral matters pertaining thereto:

            i.   “Sat down to eat and drink” = revelries associated w/ idolatry, including social drinking (cf 1 Peter 4:3)

            ii.  “rose up to play” = lascivious activities associated w/ idolatry, which included immodesty and dancing.

3.   FORNICATION (v 8)

      a.   Exodus 32

      b.   Numbers 25

      c.   A problem in the early church

            i.   1 Corinthians 5

            ii.  Revelation 2 - Pergamos (v 14); Thyatira (v 20)

      d.   1 Corinthians 6:18 – “Flee fornication.”

      e.   The virginity rate for American teens stands at 50%. Of those sexually active, 16% reported 4 or more partners.

4.   UNGRATEFULNESS (tempting / testing the Lord – v 9)

      a.   Romans 1:21 - “neither were they thankful”

      b.   Nine unthankful lepers – Luke 17:12-19

      c.   2 Timothy 3:1-5

      d.   1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “In every thing give thanks . . .”

5.   MURMURING (v 10)

      a.   Phil 2:14 – murmuring is inconsistent w/ Christian living (v 15)

      b.   Jude 14-16 – the angels shall execute judgment against such

6.   Other WMD:

      a.   GOSSIP / sins of the TONGUE – James 3:2-6

      b.   HATRED – 1 John 3:14-15

      c.   ENVY – James 4:1-4

      d.   PRIDE – 2 Timothy 3:15