THE CLOUD AND THE SEA

IN 1 CORINTHIANS 10, Paul presents several themes, which we could summarize in way:

1. Let us not be idolaters (v. 7, 14), worshiping someone or something other than God. Doing so is showing disdain for all of God’s care and love for us.

1. Let us not practice immorality (v. 8), which threatens our mind, our body, our spirituality . . . and offends our God.

1. Let us not test Christ (v. 9). We know what is best for us, but we insist in doing wrong, to see if perhaps He somehow accepts our mistakes.

1. Let us not grumble (v. 10). To grumble is to complain, finding flaws and being unhappy about everything. Complainers think themselves to be perfect, while all others are wrong and must be reformed. However, they are egocentric, resentful, and unbearable They are at church not to learn and worship, but to teach and criticize.

1. No one is safe or free to sin. «Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall» (verse 12).

1. «No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it» (v. 13).

1. «All things are lawful,» some say. Indeed, but not all things are helpful. And although «all things are lawful,» not all benefits the spiritual life of others. «Not all things edify» (v. 23). They may be legal, but if they are immoral, we should not practice them. They may even seem correct, but if they cause a bad impression, it is better not to do them.

1. We must glorify the name of God with our way of life. (v. 31). God does not need vigilantes of sin, who are observing and judging what others do. What God does need is for each of us to live Christianity day by day. In this way we will honor and glorify His name.

A prologue (vv. 1—6) precedes all these guidelines, which shows us how it is possible to follow these principles. Paul tells us not to ignore the testimony of our ancestors who were under a cloud, a symbol of God’s protection and visible presence. It was a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, accompanying their pilgrimage in the desert, from Egypt to Canaan.

And so they were «baptized. . . in the cloud and in the sea» (v. 2); submerged and surrounded by the love and power of God; coming out of slavery, darkness, and the filth of sin; to enter the freedom, light, and joy of a new life. 

From Egypt to Canaan, from God’s creature to a child of God, from earth to heaven! God wants to do the same in your life. Will you give Him permission?