No one else to blame

Rebellion and disobedience bear serious consequences for the believer. On that there is no disagreement.

In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul reminded the believers that the Hebrews in the wilderness had miracle upon miracle to encourage them and they drank from the same spiritual rock that quenched the Christians’ thirst: Christ himself. (vv.1-4) “Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.” (v.5)

Paul didn’t mention the severe consequences for no reason. “These things happened as a warning to us ….” (v.6) “They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.” (v.11) And more to the point: “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.” (v.12) 

Paul goes on to say that the temptations we face are no different from what others experience. But God is faithful and gives us a choice. We don’t have to make the same mistakes others make because the Lord sets a limit to the temptation so it will not be more than we can stand. On top of that, when we are tempted, he shows us a way out so we can endure.

That way, when we insist on choosing rebellion and disobedience, we have no one to blame but ourselves for the consequences we suffer.