1Corinthians 10
1 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.

Paul makes a very important point in these 3 verses.  After the Israelites left Egypt and wandered around the desert, they all had the same spiritual food.  They were all instructed by Moses in how they were supposed to live before God.  They had the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on the mountain.  If they obeyed the commandments, they pleased God.

5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

However, the Bible tells us that God was not pleased with MOST OF THEM.  That means more than half of the multitude of Israelites chose to not obey God.  Think about that!  Also, consider that all who disobeyed God died the same day.  That seems to be pretty harsh punishment, don’t you think?

6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.

Uh oh!  Paul then tells us that those Israelites became examples for us Christians.  In other words, what happened to the disobedient Israelites in the desert will also happen to Christians when we disobey God.  We reap what we sow.  The Israelites died physically, and we begin dying physically when we sin.

11 Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. 12 Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. 13 But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God.
Ecclesiastes 8:11-13

Christians often think that they are free from the effects of sin in their life because of the Blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross for them.  But, let’s look at the first phrase of verse 11.  It says the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily.  Let’s say this another way.  The penalty or wage (sentence) for our sin (evil work) comes at the time we sin, but grows slowly (not executed speedily).  So, by the time we recognize we are suffering, we are unable to connect our discomfort with the cause.  We don’t know what could have caused our suffering.  So, we don’t look to our unconfessed sins as being the reason behind our suffering.

7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

Did you notice many Israelites died in the wilderness because of their complaining about their circumstances?  This is in addition to worshipping an idol and sexual immorality.  Who knew complaining is considered to be such a big sin?

12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

Do you think you are standing on a promise of God?  Take heed to what the Scriptures say.  It would be wise for you to check yourself for unforgiven sin, especially if you think you are standing with all of your armor of God on and are therefore protected from the evil one taking you down for the count.

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13

Let me say it this way.  You haven’t “done all” if you have ignored the unconfessed sins in your life.  You are not protected like you think you are when the law of sin and death is at work against you.  And, also be aware that sin cuts off your blessings from God, too.  Have you been wondering where your blessings are, or why they won’t come to you?

Clean your life up and obey God the way He wants you to obey Him.   †

You might want to consider joining a God’s Bathtub group.  You will meet with others in a Zoom meeting one time a week for 8 weeks.  There you will learn and practice how to very effectively confess your sins to God.  God shows up with signs, wonders, and miracles.  He wants you to be healed and whole more than you do.  There are currently 2 groups forming: one will meet on Wednesdays from 7-9PM. The other group will meet on Thursdays from 7-9PM.  If you are interested, please contact Ben at bencmin@aol.com or 469-231-7692.