Lesson From The Past

ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES

Lesson From The Past

Text: I Corinthians 10:1-13 IBCSS November 4, 2007

Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

Any tragic event which had happened a long time ago should not be regarded as one of those disappointing moments in the past that is best to be forgotten, but it should be considered as a source of helpful lesson we could learn from.

We strongly believe that a positive attitude toward what happened in the past, both good and bad, will surely pave our way to deeper understanding and practical wisdom. People who have learned a lot from their victories and defeats are well-seasoned people who could easily accept the truth of life.

The Bible tells us about the past and by going through its truth-filled pages, we could learn a lot of needful things which could help us to spiritually shape our lives so we may become pleasing to God. In I Corinthians 10:11, it is written, Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (KJV) Pondering in our hearts the heart-breaking experiences of the people of God during their wandering in the wilderness will give us relevant instructions to take heed of. Following such important instructions will not only protect us from sins, but will draw us closer to God as well.

God wants us to walk with Him so we may be protected from evil and enjoy His blessings. In I Corinthians 10:1-5, we could see how the Lord went with Israel showing His loving-kindness, but many of them displeased Him with their evil desires. The verses say, Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. (KJV)

As we study on God’s dealing with Israel in the wilderness, may we have the desire to learn from Israel’s tragic experiences to keep us aware of the sad consequences of not living in the center of God’s will.

(I) The Consequences Of Evil Desire

I Corinthians 10:1-11

-Offense to God

Evil desires are offensive to the Lord. God is Holy and He wants us also to be holy in all areas of our lives including our thought life. In I Corinthians 10:5-6, it says, But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. (KJV) We must guard our hearts from fleshly desire and keep our walk pleasing to God.

-Wicked works

Wicked works are visible fruits of wicked imagination. True believers are not called by God unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. In I Thessalonians 4:7, it is written, For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. (KJV) Believers should radiate God’s holiness through their lives.

-Defeat

We are confident that God’s people are on the winning side however, humiliating defeats will also come on our way every time we offend the Lord by our spiritual indifference. God permits humiliating defeat so we may realize our sins and to teach us a lesson not to follow our own ways, but to stay on the principles of Truth.

-Shame

Shame is an unpleasant result of sin and he who lives in sin will surely be trapped into its degrading snare. Christians should not contribute shame to Christianity by committing sin but rather live in holiness and shine for righteousness. May we surrender our lives completely for the Master’s use so He may use us mightily for His glory.

-Destruction

The course of destruction is as follows: it starts with evil desire, then visible sin, pride, shameful defeat and finally ends with death. In I Corinthians 10:6-9, it is written, Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. (KJV) A good attitude toward these truth-imparting passages will keep us from evil.

Don’t enter in the course destruction. Avoid it and let the Lord lead you in the path of truth. In I Corinthians 10:10-11, it is written, Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (KJV) Be admonished and live in the fear of the Lord.

(II) Be Warned Lest You Fall

I Corinthians 10:12

-Remember God’s faithfulness

People who live in fear and insecurities don’t really see the faithfulness of God. During Israel’s wandering in the wilderness, many of them murmured because of unbelief. They questioned the protection and provision of the Lord and were unacceptable to Him. As a sad result, they were overthrown in the wilderness.

Believers should always be aware and appreciate God’s faithfulness. We must keep in mind that even in times of temptation, God is unquestionably faithful. In I Corinthians 10:13, it is written, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (KJV) Remember God’s faithfulness and be thankful to Him at all times.

Be strong in the Lord. In I Corinthians 10:12, it says, Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (KJV) May the lesson we learned from the lives of the Israelites be a constant reminder to us as we serve the Lord Jesus Christ and look forward to His coming.

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