1 Corinthians 10:12-13 have an incredible message for us to today! We must always keep our guard against the danger of pride and self-reliance. Paul reminds us to “watch our step!” Pride was the first sin, and it is always the sin that starts in the heart with a thought, and then progresses to an action that separates us from our fellowship with God. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life seek to disrupt our commitment to Christ, and defeat us in our journey into the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1-2: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Verse 13 is such a powerful verse for us all to remember when sin tempts us. The temptations we all face are common to each of us, and we must remember where temptation will take us if we do not protect ourselves with the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
James 1:12-16 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.
The commonness of our temptation results in the LSD (lust, sin, and death) of a selfish and prideful life, when we do not follow the way of escape that God provides for us. As Psalm 119:105 clearly states, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Daily application of God’s Word helps protect us from the wiles of the devil!