1. Dangers of Presumption (vv. 1-12):

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (v. 12)

2. Deliverance from Presumption (v. 13):

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (v. 13)

For Further Thought and Discussion

Getting Started
1. What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?

Going Deeper
2. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul speaks of the Christian life as a race, and warns of the danger of being “disqualified” (v. 27). How does this analogy set the stage for Paul’s warning in 10:1-12?

3. Paul says that Israel’s wilderness generation provides a cautionary tale for the Christians at Corinth (10:6, 11). Why is Paul so comfortable applying an Old Testament example to God’s New Covenant people (see 10:4, 11)? How does the Exodus serve as a pattern of redemption in Scripture? How does the wilderness generation serve as a paradigm of unbelief (see Psalm 78:5-8; Nehemiah 9:6ff)?

4. How did Israel presume on God’s grace in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 32:10-15)? Why does Paul stress that “all” the Israelites had a profound spiritual experience (10:1-4), yet “most” (10:5) did not find favor with God (compare 1 Corinthians 1:6-7; 8:1-2)? Why would this point have been especially relevant to the Corinthians?

5. Read vv. 7-10. What parallels does Paul see between the sins committed by Israel (see Exodus 32:6; Numbers 14:27, 36; 21:4-9; 25:1-9) and the sins being committed by the Corinthians (see 1 Corinthians 1:10-12; 5:1; 6:18; 8:10)? How do these parallels serve to intensify Paul’s warning to the church?

Application:
6. 1st Corinthians is filled with warnings to Christians about the danger of falling away from the faith (see 3:17; 5:9-13; 6:9-10; 8:7-13; 9:24-27; 10:1-12; 16:22). Yet, Paul also provides believers with strong assurances that God will sustain them to the end (see 1:8-9; 10:13). How are we to understand the relationship between the warnings and the assurances? Why do we need to hear both to cultivate a vibrant faith in Christ? What happens when we emphasize one, and not the other?

7. Jeff noted some ways to diagnose a presumption in our own lives. Which of these stood out to you? Why?

8. Read verse 13. Jeff mentioned several truths we need to embrace to be delivered from presumption. Which of these was most helpful to you? Why?

9. What’s one thing you can do this week to apply this passage?