Nevertheless…(Or, covenantal presumption)

O God, we trust in your power to create, to sustain, and to enable. But we could not trust if we did not know that you are always near. Be with us Lord, as we are gathered here to worship you. Help us not to check our minds or our hearts at the door, but enable us to bring all that we are to you, so that you might make us into what we ought to be. We pray this because of, and in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

†OPENING HYMN OF PRAISE #403

“Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken”

†CORPORATE CONFESSION OF SIN

“Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.” (Psalm 19:12–13, ESV) Let us acknowledge our transgressions --

Before we confess our sins together, take a moment for silent confession

TIME OF SILENT CONFESSION

Let us confess our sins together

Minister: O Father, we are gathered before you, the maker of heaven and earth, whose chosen dwelling place is with the broken and contrite, to confess that:

Congregation: we have sinned in thought and word and deed; we have not loved you with all our heart and soul, we have not loved you with all our mind and strength; we have not even loved our neighbor as ourselves.

In your mercy, deepen our sorrow for the wrong we have done and for the good we have left undone, so that we may hate our sin with a holy hatred. But, please Father, do not leave us in sorrow. With you, O Lord, there is forgiveness. In your mercy, restore the joy of our salvation; so that we may love you with a holy love. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

“O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.” (Psalm 130:7–8, ESV)

CONTINUAL READING OF SCRIPTURE Exodus 8:1-19

Steven Hoffer, Elder

THE OFFERING OF TITHES AND OUR GIFTS

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYERS

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

†HYMN OF PREPARATION Hymnal Insert

“Yet Not I, but Through Christ In Me”

SERMON 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Against Idolatry Pastor Austin Prince

Text:

1 Corinthians 10:1–13 ESV

1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 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.

Intro

What is going on? Presumption.

“Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12).

— arrogance, and ultimately pride

This is a tale literally as old as time. In the garden, with all of the freedom and innocence that Adam and Eve enjoyed, they fell prey to presumption: that God could be mocked, distrusted, that His word could be violated, and that nothing would happen to them.

Paul has been navigating Christian freedom with the Corinthians. In many ways, he is helping them use this freedom to rightly understand their position before God —They are not made righteous by what they eat or what they do. And he is also helping them to learn how to take their legitimate rights and lay them down in service for others.

But in this text he is issuing a warning to those who are free. And what does freedom mean here, btw? It means those who are under grace. To those who have been gifted the lavish grace of Christ, do not presume upon this grace. Do not let liberty give way to license. You can hear Paul say this explicitly in Romans 6 right after preaching the high grace of Christ. Should we sin that grace may abound, by no means! (Rom. 6:1-2).

But this was even possible for Adam and Eve to do. And as an illustration to the point he’s making to the Corinthians, Paul reminds them of what happened to the Israelites after the exodus. For the Corinthians, they may have thought that they were better off than the Israelites having things like communion and baptism, but they were not unique to the Corinthians and it didn’t make them superior. And for us, too, in the present day who have been redeemed by Christ, it’s easy to presume (that is to act arrogantly) upon God’s mercy. The exercise of seeing yourself through the lens of a story is repeated so often in scripture from anecdotes to parables and epistles. It’s right that we are placed in the narrative of our forefathers to see where we fit in, because we are often the wicked stepmother but we can’t see it until we see it through new eyes. (if I was Adam I would have…, If I was Israel in the wilderness I would have…)

Before we get into Paul’s encouragement and support to those under grace, and even his warning is meant as an encouragement, there are a number of things that this text teaches us about our Bibles, theology, and how to synthesize the Old and New Testaments that we need to acknowledge before we dive into the thrust of the argument.

What this text assumes about the Bible

Covenant Family

“I don’t want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers…” (1 Cor. 10:1)

The Israelites are the proper forefathers of the Corinthians (Gentile Christians).

Israel had all of the elements of a church.

Baptism

“All were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,” (1 Cor. 10:2)

All of the Israelites were set-apart in covenant with YHWH.

Paul likens crossing the red sea as a baptism, a setting apart and a washing of God’s people.

The Israelites had baptism just like the Corinthians did, both sets of covenant people must stay alert, no matter their status.

The Supper

“and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ” (1 Cor. 10:3-4).

This refers to the manna and the water that the Israelites ate and drank in the wilderness. Their sustenance was by the grace of God, and the name of that grace, though they didn’t know it at the time, is Christ.

This text teaches us quite a bit about the sufficiency of scripture. Scripture interpreting scripture is the proper guide to understand types, figures, phrases, and themes.

So Paul’s argument is that the Corinthians aren’t really in a unique spot, it’s all been there before if they have eyes to see it. God pours out His grace in salvation, and if they aren’t careful, this liberty gives way to license and, when fully formed, condemnation.

How Holy is God? How severe was their presumption? God was not pleased with many of them (v.5). Only 2 (Joshua and Caleb) made it into the promised land.

The Israelites became what Paul feared —disqualified (1 Cor. 9:27)

Transition to meat of text:

“These things were written for your example” vv.6&11 —— to keep you qualified (1 Cor. 9:27)

What are the sins common to man? Paul reminds the Corinthians of four from their forefathers.

Idolatry (Golden Calf —Ex. 32:6)

Creating God in our image and to our liking.

“Idolatry is the attempt to get from a finite thing what only the infinite can supply.”

We must not forget that God is holy. We come to Him on His terms. We must live by His self-revelation, not on our assumptions.

So many of us live as if he doesn’t love us, won’t hear us, is withholding from us. But we must be those who look to Him, not to our imaginings of Him.

Idolatry presumes upon God’s identity

Lust (Num. 25:1; Num. 25:9; Ps. 106:29)

All of those in this list stem from presumption and pride

And in a way, they also spring from mistrust

Lust is unique in that it looks outside of God for satisfaction.

Lust doesn’t trust that God is big enough for the things we desire

Lust presumes upon God’s holiness

Doubt/Testing (Num. 21:4-6; [Ex. 17:2, 7])

In the wilderness, the people put God to the test

They had countless provision before them but they hardened their hearts, dealt with Him in mistrust, and called for Him to prove Himself.

Doubt presumes upon God’s power

Discontent (Num. 14:2)

The Israelites were dissatisfied with their food and drink, and yet God covered them with shade by day and warmth by night, delivering them from slavery and providing them with food and drink. They still grumbled.

Discontent doesn’t like what God has given and that turns to mistrust.

Discontent presumes upon God’s provision

1 Corinthians 10:12–13 (ESV) — 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.

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

Think of the image: Israel has been delivered but is grumbling, lusting, doubting. So, too, the church can’t be those who claim the liberating power of the cross and live in such licentious mistrust.

Pay attention to the trials. These tests are not merely nuisances that frequently result in us dishonoring God, but the inverse is that they are environments where we can glorify God. Worship instead of idolatry, holiness instead of lust, faith instead of doubt, contentment instead of discontentment.

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.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man — you are not a special case, no matter the circumstances. Your situation does not give you license to presume upon God.

God is faithful, and will not let you be tempted beyond your ability —God does not give a burden that He cannot carry. He isn’t out for your destruction. The word for temptation here is the word for testing/reproving.

If we are not encouraged when we think of God refining us, that can tell us a lot about ourselves. God disciplines those he loves… “That’s great, but maybe He could love me less”, we think.

He will provide the way of escape, that you may endure —

Our situation is never hopeless. Christ will be faithful. Our emotions can betray us.

illustration: pilgrim’s progress castle of doubt, the giant of despair, and the key of promise

"What a fool am I, thus to lie in a stinking dungeon, when I may as well walk at liberty? I have a key in my bosom called Promise that will (I am persuaded) open any lock in Doubting Castle."

Conclusion

How can someone make it through the wilderness?

Can the Christians survive in Corinth?

What about Dunwoody?

Jesus knows our temptation

Hebrews 4:14–16 (ESV) — 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Titus 2:11–14 (ESV) — 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Christ may put us to the test, He is building a people for Himself, but we must not put Him to the test

†HYMN OF RESPONSE #453

“Rock of Ages”

THE MINISTRY OF THE LORD’S SUPPER Minister: Lift up your hearts!

Congregation: We lift them up to the Lord.

Minister: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

Congregation: It is right for us to give thanks and praise!

CONFESSION OF FAITH* Based on Matt 16:16; Mk. 16:9; Jn. 20:28; I Cor. 15:1-6; Rev. 22:13

Minister: Christian, what do you believe?

Congregation: This is the good news that we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved, if we hold it fast: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day, and that He appeared first to the women, then to Peter, and to the Twelve, and then to many faithful witnesses. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus Christ is the first and the last, the beginning and the end; he is our Lord and our God.

THE INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

The Lord invites you to this table if you love him and trust in him alone for salvation. It is for those who belong to Christ through repentance, faith, baptism, and continuing union with his church. If you are truly sorry for your sins, sincerely believe in Jesus as your Savior, and desire to live in obedience to him as Lord, you are invited to come with gladness to the table of the Lord. “O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.”

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Congregation is seated.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS

THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION AND THE SHARING OF THE SUPPER

Minister: Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you.”

Congregation: By your divine presence, by the holy sacraments, by all the merits of your life, sufferings, death, and resurrection, bless and comfort us, gracious Lord and God. Amen.

Minister: Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Drink from this, all of you. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Congregation: Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup together, we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Minister: Christ, the Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;

Congregation: Grant to us your peace. Amen.

†OUR RESPONSE #572

“Gloria Patri”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen, amen.

†BENEDICTION: GOD’S BLESSING FOR HIS PEOPLE

Christians, go in hope and His peace. “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 24–25, ESV)

Grace Notes Refletion

It’s easy to presume upon God’s grace—to think that his love for us relaxes the necessity of fighting sin. Or, to presume that his love for us, if genuine, will provide us with all of our desires at the time that we desire them. Our tricky hearts are able to turn even the grace of God into that which serves our lusts. So Paul calls the Corinthians to read the room of covenant history and show some humility. But if you are repenting for presumption, where can the pendulum easily swing? For many, it’s despair. We can begin to feel that temptation is too much for us. That our situations are too difficult, or too far short of what we want, that God isn’t to be trusted after all. So Paul’s encouragement was that God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond your ability or without a way of escape (1 C’or. 10:12-13).

Are there any areas where you are presuming upon God’s grace? Does your familiarity with him ever lead you to a lax view of sin? Do you ever blame him for your problems?

What might change for you under the pressure of temptation or despair if you know that God absolutely will provide for you?

If God will provide a way of escape in every trial, where might you look for that? Where might you focus your gaze when your situation is confusing or large?

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