(Opening prayer in the morning service) Followed by the sermon.

We continue where we left off our study last week. Paul is seeking to press home the lessons of the experiences of Israel to which he referred in the opening verses of the chapter in order to break them from their attendance at heathen sacrifices and feasts. 

I. THERE IS NO ONE MORE LIKELY TO FALL INTO SIN THAN HE WHO IS CONFIDENT OF HIS ABILITY TO STAND

Self-confidence plays a great part in the sin into which God’s people fall, 12-15. Such self-confidence was evident amongst the Corinthians.

1. In the child of God there ought to be a sense of danger mingled with their joy and peace and assurance. It seems contradictory but it is true. We should fear sin and, above all, fear offending God. Psalm 2:11, Phil 2:12, Such a sense of danger drives us closer to Christ.

2. There is a temptation that is permitted of God. The word allow carries the meaning of permitting. Such temptation as is permitted of God is for our strengthening. The devil tempts in order to provoke us to sin, James 1:13, story of Job.

3. In such temptation He makes a way of escape for the believer. There will open up a way out. 

4. Those who place themselves in the way of temptation will find no such escape. Hence the call to flee from idolatry, verse 14. The phrase flee from = flee from the presence of. It is a strengthened form of 6:18. By their presence at the heathen feasts and sacrifices they were placing themselves unnecessarily in the path of temptation.