Humility and Dependence: Lessons from Spiritual Privilege

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound lesson of humility and reliance on God, using the metaphor of a golfer who, despite having the best equipment and coaching, fails to perform as expected. This story serves as a reminder that in our spiritual journey, having the best resources or being part of a prestigious community is not enough. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10, warns us against the pitfalls of spiritual pride by taking us back to the experiences of the Israelites. Despite their privileges and blessings, many failed to reach the promised land due to their presumption and pride. This serves as a cautionary tale for us today, urging us to learn from the past and not to rely solely on our spiritual privileges.

Paul emphasizes that the Christian life is akin to running a race, where discipline and humility are crucial. He warns against the dangers of pride, which can lead to a downfall, and encourages us to be vigilant and learn from the mistakes of those who came before us. The Israelites, despite witnessing God's wonders and receiving His provisions, failed because they presumed upon their privileges. Similarly, we must not take our spiritual freedoms for granted or assume that grace allows us to live without consequences.

Paul also reassures us that no temptation is unique to us and that God is faithful, providing a way of escape in every trial. This is a call to be alert and seek God's guidance in moments of temptation, rather than relying on our own strength. The message concludes with an invitation to participate in the Lord's table, reflecting on the significance of Christ's sacrifice and the unity it brings to the body of believers. We are reminded that grace is the antidote to pride, and we are called to approach God with humility and gratitude.

Key Takeaways:

1. Spiritual Privileges and Presumption: The story of the Israelites serves as a warning against presuming upon spiritual privileges. Despite their blessings, many failed to reach the promised land due to pride and disobedience. We must learn from their example and not rely solely on our spiritual heritage or resources. [06:48]

2. The Danger of Pride: Pride can be a significant obstacle in our spiritual journey. Paul warns that those who think they stand firm should be cautious, as pride often precedes a fall. We must remain humble and vigilant, recognizing our dependence on God. [18:46]

3. God's Faithfulness in Temptation: No temptation is unique to us, and God is faithful to provide a way of escape. This assurance encourages us to seek God's guidance and strength in moments of trial, rather than relying on our own abilities. [22:39]

4. Flee from Idolatry: Paul advises us to flee from idolatry and not to flirt with sin. Instead of seeing how close we can get to sin without falling, we should strive to stay as far away as possible, recognizing the spiritual dangers involved. [31:54]

5. Participation in the Lord's Table: The act of participating in the Lord's table is a profound reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the unity it brings to believers. It calls us to reflect on our loyalty to God and the grace that saves us, urging us to approach with humility and gratitude. [44:24]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:05] - The Golfer's Lesson
- [06:48] - Israel's Example
- [08:17] - Spiritual Privileges and Presumption
- [10:45] - Learning from the Past
- [12:17] - Cast from the Same Mold
- [13:40] - Avoiding Repetition of Mistakes
- [15:23] - Consequences of Spiritual Pride
- [18:46] - The Danger of Pride
- [20:37] - Take Heed Lest You Fall
- [22:39] - God's Faithfulness in Temptation
- [26:47] - Looking for the Escape
- [28:04] - Drawing Near to the Throne of Grace
- [31:54] - Flee from Idolatry
- [36:25] - Participation in the Lord's Table
- [40:23] - Provoking the Lord to Jealousy
- [44:24] - Grace as the Antidote to Pride

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
2. Hebrews 4:15-16
3. Ephesians 2:1-5

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#### Observation Questions
1. What privileges and blessings did the Israelites experience during their journey from Egypt, and how did they respond to these blessings? [06:48]
2. How does Paul describe the Christian life in relation to running a race, and what are the key elements he emphasizes for success in this race? [05:05]
3. What does Paul say about the nature of temptation and God's role in providing a way of escape? [22:39]
4. How does Paul use the metaphor of the Lord's table to illustrate the unity and participation of believers in Christ's sacrifice? [36:25]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of the Israelites serve as a warning against spiritual pride and presumption for modern believers? [08:17]
2. In what ways does Paul suggest that pride can lead to a downfall in one's spiritual journey? How does this relate to the concept of relying on one's own strength? [18:46]
3. What does Paul mean when he says that no temptation is unique to us, and how does this provide comfort and assurance to believers? [22:39]
4. How does the act of participating in the Lord's table serve as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the unity it brings to the body of believers? [36:25]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you relied on your spiritual privileges or resources rather than on God. How did that impact your spiritual journey, and what changes can you make to avoid this in the future? [08:17]
2. Pride is often subtle and can go unnoticed. What are some practical steps you can take to remain humble and vigilant in your spiritual walk? [18:46]
3. Consider a recent temptation you faced. How did you respond, and what role did God's faithfulness play in providing a way of escape? How can you be more alert to God's guidance in future trials? [22:39]
4. In what ways can you actively flee from idolatry and avoid flirting with sin in your daily life? Identify specific areas where you might be getting too close to the "ravine" and how you can distance yourself. [31:54]
5. How does participating in the Lord's table influence your understanding of community and unity within the church? What steps can you take to strengthen your commitment to the body of believers? [36:25]
6. Reflect on the concept of grace as the antidote to pride. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and humility in response to God's grace in your life? [44:24]
7. Identify one area in your life where you might be provoking the Lord to jealousy by dividing your loyalty. What changes can you make to ensure your devotion is solely to God? [40:23]

Devotional

Day 1: Presumption on Spiritual Privileges Leads to Downfall
In the journey of faith, relying solely on spiritual privileges can lead to presumption and eventual downfall. The Israelites, despite their numerous blessings and direct experiences of God's power, failed to enter the promised land due to their pride and disobedience. This serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual heritage or resources are not enough to sustain us. We must actively engage in our relationship with God, recognizing that privileges do not exempt us from the need for obedience and humility. The story of the Israelites is a cautionary tale, urging us to learn from their mistakes and to remain vigilant in our spiritual walk. [06:48]

1 Corinthians 10:11-12 (ESV): "Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall."

Reflection: In what ways have you relied on your spiritual privileges or heritage instead of actively pursuing a relationship with God? How can you shift your focus to obedience and humility today?


Day 2: Pride as a Barrier to Spiritual Growth
Pride is a significant barrier in our spiritual journey, often leading to a downfall. Paul warns that those who believe they are standing firm should be cautious, as pride can easily precede a fall. This calls for a posture of humility and vigilance, recognizing our dependence on God rather than our own strength. Pride blinds us to our weaknesses and can lead us to ignore the lessons of the past. By acknowledging our limitations and seeking God's guidance, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and continue to grow spiritually. [18:46]

Proverbs 16:18-19 (ESV): "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where pride has taken root. How can you practice humility in this area and invite God to guide you?


Day 3: God's Faithfulness Provides a Way of Escape
In moments of temptation, it is reassuring to know that no temptation is unique to us and that God is faithful to provide a way of escape. This assurance encourages us to seek God's guidance and strength rather than relying on our own abilities. Temptations are a common part of the human experience, but God's faithfulness ensures that we are never left without a means to overcome them. By turning to God in times of trial, we can find the strength to resist temptation and remain steadfast in our faith. [22:39]

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Think of a recent temptation you faced. How can you actively seek God's way of escape in similar situations in the future?


Day 4: Flee from Idolatry and Avoid Flirting with Sin
Paul advises us to flee from idolatry and not to flirt with sin. Instead of seeing how close we can get to sin without falling, we should strive to stay as far away as possible, recognizing the spiritual dangers involved. Idolatry can take many forms, often subtly creeping into our lives and diverting our focus from God. By identifying and removing idols, we can maintain a clear and undivided devotion to God. This proactive approach helps us to avoid the traps of sin and to live a life that honors God. [31:54]

1 John 5:21 (ESV): "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."

Reflection: What are some modern-day idols in your life that may be diverting your focus from God? How can you take steps to remove these idols and strengthen your devotion to Him?


Day 5: The Lord's Table as a Reminder of Unity and Grace
Participation in the Lord's table is a profound reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the unity it brings to believers. It calls us to reflect on our loyalty to God and the grace that saves us, urging us to approach with humility and gratitude. The act of communion is not just a ritual but a powerful expression of our faith and commitment to the body of Christ. By partaking in the Lord's table, we are reminded of the grace that unites us and the call to live in harmony with one another. [44:24]

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."

Reflection: As you prepare to participate in the Lord's table, how can you cultivate a spirit of humility and gratitude? What steps can you take to strengthen your unity with fellow believers?

Quotes



"To sin against the law is one thing, but to sin against grace is quite something else. Therefore, Paul says, verse 11, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. Now, this is Paul saying we are pumping the brakes. Because what we have done, Corinth, is that we have these liberties. If God has set us free, and we know that idols aren't real, can't we?" [00:18:29] (38 seconds)


"Therefore given that no temptation is unique to you given that God will provide a way out my beloved flee from idolatry don't get as close as you can without falling off the ravine get as far away from it as you possibly can that's the point of the passage that he's making. Don't ask the wrong questions. And so as we move into these last few verses of the passage, there's a lot that we would want to unpack. There's very interesting things that Paul brings up in this passage." [00:32:40] (33 seconds)


"Because Ephesians chapter 2 says that we, you and I who are in Christ today, we were dead in our trespasses and sins in which we once walked. Following the course of this world, following the principles of the Lord Jesus Christ, following the principles of the Lord Jesus Christ, of the power of the air the spirit that's now in the work in the sons of disobedience among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh carrying out the desires of the body and the mind and were by nature children of wrath like the rest of mankind but God but God being rich in mercy because of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead in our trespasses made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved grace is the antidote to pride and we come to this table in grace" [00:44:24] (56 seconds)


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Transcript
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