1 Corinthians 10. After the Apostle Paul’s commentary on self-control in 1 Corinthians 9, he gives us a brief history lesson from the Old Testament (10:1-11). These people (the Israelites) were all God followers who lived with the very presence of God among them and yet with most of them God was not pleased. They failed to exercise self-control and sins like sexual immorality or grumbling or testing God took them down; and they died in public and shocking ways, by serpents, flames of fire, or the ground swallowing them.

I like to think that if I had been there – with God visibly present in the fire and the cloud and with people dying dramatically – that I would have done better. Surely, I would not have sinned like they did! To that Paul says let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall (10:12).

The stories of ancient Israel are for us, so we will not repeat their mistakes. Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did (10:6). And again, these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction (10:11).

This means there is a very real danger for me, for us, that I will do exactly what the people of Israel did. In spite of the fact that I have walked with God for many years and through many deserts and trials, it is entirely possible that I will (a) think it cannot happen to me, (b) forget that sin is a big deal and carries consequences, (c) chose my temporal happiness over something more long-term and valuable, (d) think that no one will notice, or (e) falsely believe that I am the only one struggling with this issue.

To this Paul says let anyone who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man (10:12-13). You are never the only person who is having some challenging issue. The temptations we face are common – other people have them too! One of Satan’s great spiritual warfare tactics is to isolate you – to make you think you are all alone. This is a lie.

God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide a way of escape that you may be able to endure it (10:13). The first part of your escape route from temptation is to burst the isolation bubble – find someone you trust, who can maintain confidentiality, and tell them what you’re struggling with. Ask them to pray with you and for you. Often this simple act of sharing what you struggle with is a huge breakthrough in overcoming temptation. Other elements of your escape route include prayer, Bible study and meditation on verses, changing your behavior and thought patterns, and more (including counseling as appropriate).

Are you guilty of thinking it cannot happen to you? Be warned, you are vulnerable to sin like the rest of us. Have you been tricked into thinking you are the only one facing a particular challenge? Ask God to help you find someone to share with; burst the isolation bubble. Are you guilty of giving in to temptation? Ask God for forgiveness and do whatever it takes to change your behavior and thought patterns. God is faithful… he will provide a way of escape.