1 Corinthians 10:6
What is written? (ESV)
Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.
What does it say?
These things happened to be an example for us [Christians] so that we might not desire [to do] evil as they did.
What is its immediate context?
Paul, in a letter to the young church in Corinth addressing divisions and several serious matters including sin and arrogance, reminds them about those that came before, that “God was not pleased” (vs 5) with them. Paul’s reference here is going back specifically to the children of Israel’s exodus from Egypt, when Moses led them in a “pillar of cloud” by day and fire by night and through the Red Sea (Exodus 13-14) and their subsequent idolatry (vs 7), sexual immorality (vs 8), putting “Christ to the test” (vs 9), and grumbling (vs 10).
How 1 Corinthians 10:6 is applied across Bible answers
Top 3: Scripture challenges to once saved always saved?
The events of the Old Testament and the exploits of the children of Israel, in particular their desire to do evil, are there for an example to Christians.
The example from the continued sinfulness of God's chosen people4 and their "destruction" (vs 9) is a warning to the Christian "who thinks that he stands, take heed lest he fall (vs 12).
Top 3: Why ‘Old Testament vs. New Testament’ isn’t the best approach?
Christians are to use what is found in the Old Testament as an example in order to not fall from grace as some of them did.
