1 Corinthians 10:6 – Examples

Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. (1 Corinthians 10:6 ESV)

As we read the Bible, we can often imagine it as a far off place and culture that has nothing to do with us. We might imagine the people in the Bible having no idea of the struggles or sins we deal with today.

The Bible might be used just as a tool to encourage and inspire you instead of bringing you to repentance. We can miss so much in our walk with Jesus by just focusing on the righteousness instead of realizing the sinfulness that is also represented in the Bible.

Our minds can take us to places we would otherwise be unable to physically go. Here, Paul is describing one of the benefits our intellect affords us. This means that as we read the Old Testament, and even sections of the New Testament, we can see the outcome of sinful living. In fact, in the verses following Paul lists examples of what happens when people desire evil and habitually pursue it.

When you read the Bible then, do so with an engaged mind, realizing that God has included true accounts of evil thinking, acting, and living. Because Scripture has honestly recorded both righteous and unrighteous living we can clearly see the effect of living contrary to God’s word.

These true life events haven’t been recorded in the Bible to make you feel as though you would never fall into a certain sin, but to warn you of the contrary.

Dwell on the consequences of sin and let your mind be used of the Holy Spirit to instruct you in right living.