1
Corinthians 10:9-10 NKJV Nor let us tempt Christ, as some of
them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor
complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the
destroyer.
The
word tempt
B2 The idea here especially regarding the Old Testament is Israel did
not believe God. They did not put trust in Him, but they could give
no reasons for it, so they wanted to do something to make God react
in such a way so to have an excuse to hate God and feel justified in
their unbelief.
God
has given enough proof with all that He had done to Egypt and
Israel’s enemies.
God
is displeased at a certain type of whining, complaining, murmuring.
B1 Romans 1:21 NKJV Because, although they knew God, they did not
glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their
thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
B2 Two things these unbelievers did not do.
C1 They did not give God credit for what He has done. In this case,
it would be deliverance from slavery in Egypt.
C2 They were not thankful for what He had done.
God
now punished these who refused to believe. They were destroyed.
B1 The Greek word is ἀπόλλυμι apóllymi. It means lost as
money that is lost and cannot be found. It also means destroy as in
life that is lost and cannot be found, so we would understand this as
they died. The reference is to Numbers 21:4-9. They complained; God
punished; they were bitten by poisonous snakes; died, unless, they
looked at the bronze snake as God invited them to do.
B2 Bible
C1 Romans 6:23 NLT For the wages of sin is death, but the free
gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
C2 Isaiah 3:11 NLT But the wicked are doomed, for they will get
exactly what they deserve.
C3 Galatians 6:7 NLT Don't be misled—you
cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you
plant.
The
whining and muttering they did was not an open complaint, but only
speaking to one another. God heard them anyway. Certain types of
actions show what we believe or don’t believe. They did not
believe. God was sick and tired of these creepy rebels and sent the
destroyer.
They
were destroyed by the destroyer.
B1 The word destroyed is the same as in verse 9. It means they were
punished with death.
B2 The word destroyer is different. It is the Greek word ὀλοθρευτής
olothreutḗs. It means something that ruin, in this case, a venomous
snake.
We
learn
B1 Belief is the key. Do we believe God. Most do not believe God
today. Most so-called Christians don’t either. They interpret the
Bible (if they read it at all) symbolically, allegorically, or
according to their feelings or theology. Let us believe God. He is
omniscient, knowing all things, and omnisapient, perfectly wise, so
He knows how to communicate perfectly.
B2 Actions show what we really believe. Thus the epistle of James
speaks of: James 2:22 NKJV Do you see that faith was working
together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
C1 Works do not save us from sin. It is not required for salvation.
Faith is required and only faith in Jesus Christ alone.
C2 Works, what we think, desire, say, and do, show what we really
believe.
B3
Sin is punished.
Exodus 15:2 GNB The LORD is my strong defender; he is the one who has
saved me. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I
will sing about his greatness.
