Examples to Teach Us to Stop Desiring Evil

Examples to Teach Us to Stop Desiring Evil

March 17, 2015 Year B (St. Patrick’s Day)

1 Corinthians 10:6-13

The Old Testament stories give us examples about how we should love. Paul is here reflecting on the examples that teach Christians to not desire evil. What examples does he give?

1. Idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:7, Exodus 32:6)
2. Sexual Immorality (1 Corinthians 10:8, Numbers 25:1-18, Psalm 106:29)
3. Testing Christ (1 Corinthians 10:9, Numbers 21:6)
4. Complaining (1 Corinthians 10:11, Numbers 16:41-50)

These four examples are warnings (1 Corinthians 10:11) which show us that everyone can be tempted (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).

These examples are not exhaustive. They are representative of the ways in which we can be enticed to desire evil.

Therefore, the Old Testament can be used to teach us to not sin. The New Testament tells us how we have the power to overcome sin.

Prayer: Thank You God for the examples in the Old Testament that teach me to follow You, keeping me from sin.