LIFE TOGETHER | SEPTEMBER 21, 2025

Warning Against Flirting with Sin – Chip Henderson

Sermon Highlights

Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul taught that love is greater than freedom, and in chapter 9, he gave his own example of laying down rights for the sake of the gospel. Now, in chapter 10, he warns the church not to treat temptation lightly. Some in Corinth were confident in their freedom, even eating in pagan temples where old influences and temptations surrounded them. Paul reminded them that freedom without caution can quickly lead to compromise.

To make his point, Paul pointed to Israel’s story. They had been freed from slavery, passed through the Red Sea, guided by the cloud, and fed with spiritual food and drink that pointed to Christ. Yet despite these blessings, most of them turned back to sin. God was not pleased, and they perished in the wilderness (vv. 1–5).

Israel craved evil things, bowed to idols, acted immorally, tested the Lord, and grumbled against Him. Though they had left Egypt, Egypt still lived in their hearts. The same dangers faced the Corinthians, and they still face us today. Paul warned that if we think we are standing firm, we may actually be vulnerable to falling (vv. 6–12).

The hope is found in God’s faithfulness. Every temptation we face is common to humanity, and He promises to provide a way of escape so that we can endure it. Paul’s call is clear: do not toy with sin but flee from it and live fully devoted to Jesus (v. 13).

INTRO

Icebreaker

What’s one small temptation you find hard to resist, like dessert, hitting snooze, or checking your phone?

Transition to Discussion

We all face temptations, and sometimes they seem harmless. But in 1 Corinthians 10, Paul reminds us of Israel’s story. His warning is clear: don’t treat temptation lightly. The good news is that God is faithful, and with every temptation He provides a way of escape. Let’s see how this passage applies to us today.

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Read 1 Corinthians 10:1–13 as a group.

  • Israel experienced God’s deliverance and provision, yet most perished in the wilderness. Why do you think spiritual experiences don’t guarantee a faithful walk with God?

  • Paul drew a parallel between Israel’s blessings and the blessings the Corinthians had received. How has God’s goodness been evident in your life, and how does that make Paul’s warning feel more serious?

  • Paul warns us not to crave evil things or turn to idols (see also Exodus 32:1–6). What are some “idols” or desires people chase today, and which can be most tempting for you?

  • Israel acted immorally and faced consequences (see also Numbers 25:1–9). Why is sexual immorality such a powerful pull in every generation, and where is the pressure to compromise strongest today?

  • Israel tested the Lord and grumbled against Him (see also Numbers 21:4–9; Numbers 16:41–49). When are you most tempted to question God or complain, and what usually triggers it?

  • Paul says these events were written for our instruction. What is one lesson from Israel’s failures that feels especially relevant to you right now?

  • Paul warned, “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you do not fall” (v. 12). How can pride or overconfidence make us more vulnerable to sin?

  • Paul promises that God is faithful and always provides a way of escape (v. 13). How have you experienced His faithfulness in temptation, and how could our group help each other look for His way out?

NEXT STEP AND PRAYER

Paul reminds us that temptation is real, but God is faithful. He always provides a way of escape so that we can endure it. Let’s take a few quiet moments and ask God the following questions:

  • Where am I most vulnerable to temptation?

  • What situations or patterns do I need to flee from instead of flirting with?

  • How can I depend on Your faithfulness when the pressure feels strong?

Write down whatever He brings to mind. Keep it with you this week as a reminder that God is faithful and that you are not fighting temptation alone.

I’ll give you a few minutes to pray, reflect, and write. Then I will close our time with prayer.