Lessons from the Past: Living for God’s Glory

1. Learn from the Past

   • God was present and faithful to Israel:
     • Led them by the cloud.
     • Parted the Red Sea.
     • Provided manna in the wilderness.
     • Gave water from the rock (a picture of Christ).
   • Yet many fell into disobedience.
   • Takeaway: God’s provision doesn’t guarantee our obedience, learn from their failure not just their blessings.

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things…
– 1 Corinthians 10:6

2. Guard Your Heart

   • Keep your heart anchored in Jesus.
   • Be watchful against:
     • Pride
     • Bitterness
     • Selfishness
     • Worldly desires
   • Takeaway: Temptation is real, but God provides a way out. Stay humble and dependent on Him.

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
– 1 Corinthians 10:12

3. Ask the Right Questions

   • Reflect on your choices:
     • Does this make me a stronger follower of Jesus?
     • Am I part of a Christ-centered, biblical community?
   • Takeaway: Wisdom is not just about permission, but purpose.

Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial.
– 1 Corinthians 10:23

4. Remember the Why

   • Live to glorify God in all things.
   • Let your life lead others to Jesus.
   • Takeaway: Our freedom isn’t for ourselves, it’s for God’s glory and the good of others.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
– 1 Corinthians 10:31

Let us remember Israel’s story, guard our hearts, seek wisdom and live for Christ so that others may know Him through us.

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
– George Santayana