RTW 2023

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.

1 Corinthians 10:12-14

Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23

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• Many times we think that if we saw what the people of God saw in the Old Testament we would not doubt; our faith would be stronger.
• We think if we could see powerful works of God in our lives then we would not struggle like we do.
• Paul warns that throughout the history of the people of God many saw God work, and yet rebelled.
• Israel saw the powerful works of God and still lived a life of rebellion.
• Paul calls for Christians to be different.
• God provides a way out of the temptation to sin.
• Temptation to sin is a symptom.
• Idolatry is the root problem.
• Idolatry is to worship the creation over the creator.
• Idolatry is to find our satisfaction and joy in something other than God.
• Idols fail to deliver in any true, lasting, or meaningful way.
• The Jewish and Greek Corinthians knew idolatry.
• 1 Corinthians 10:11; Romans 15:4
• We aren’t made to play around with temptation, we should run.
• God has given us the Holy Spirit and a new identity in Christ.
• Everyone is tempted.
• God is faithful to help us flee.
• Do not try to get as close to the line as you can; get as far away from your temptation as possible.
• The more you fill up on godly things the less likely you’ll be tempted to sin. Do not neglect the disciplines of the faith.
• Focus on having a few deep relationships in the body of Christ. Encourage each other and hold each other accountable.

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Flee idolatry. Trust in the faithfulness of God.