Our passage this Sunday (and much of 1 Corinthians for that matter) calls to mind this proverb.
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Prov. 16:18
In chapter 8, Paul is concerned that the “knowers” in the Corinthian church were endangering their weaker brothers and sisters because of their puffed up “knowledge.” He doesn’t want their pride to bring about the fall and destruction of other believers. In chapter 10, Paul is concerned also for the “knowers,” and how they are potentially endangering themselves with their puffed up “knowledge.” He sees the sort of pride that often comes before destruction and his warning echoes the proverb.
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Cor. 10:12
Most of my greatest failings have happened when I’ve felt most confident and self-assured. Can you relate? When we feel most like “I’ve got this” we are least dependent upon the Holy Spirit and we’re on shaky ground. Our text this Sunday is an important wake-up call and antidote to spiritual haughtiness.
Randall Gruendyke will be preaching 1 Corinthians 10:1-22 this week and Kenny Clark will be leading our time of sung worship. Would you pray for each as they prepare? And let’s be asking the Lord to make us humbly aware of our complete dependence upon Him to remain vigilant and awake day by day. We have an adversary who prowls like a lion seeking to devour and our flesh does not die easily. We need our faithful God (1 Cor. 10:13) to help us remain faithful, so let’s keep asking Him!
See you Sunday, Grace. Let’s come hungry!