1 Corinthians 10:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

NIV: So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!

NASB: Therefore let the one who thinks he stands watch out that he does not fall.

CSB: So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.

NLT: If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.

KJV: Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

NKJV: Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

This passage takes on a common misconception, often framed as a question: does sin even matter for those who are in Christ? If our sin is forgiven by Christ's death on the cross and our faith in Him, then what does it matter whether we sin or not? Some in Corinth had apparently misunderstood the gospel of grace to mean that Christians are free to indulge in sin without fear of consequence.

Paul has challenged that idea by warning that what happened to the generation of Israelites in the wilderness could happen to the Christians in Corinth. Our sin may be forgiven, but God may act to discipline us in this life for our good and the good of others He loves. He may even end the physical lives of those who refuse to repent (1 Corinthians 11:30) without refusing them entrance into glory with Him because of their faith in Christ.

For Paul, the bottom line seems to be that Christians must not assume that we will stand if we continue in sin. God may cause us to fall. He disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:4–11). This pairs directly with Paul's statement in the next verse, assuring readers that there are no "unavoidable" sins. God's intent for believers is not to remain mired in sin.

Paired with other statements in Scripture, this verse also serves as a dire warning (Matthew 7:22–23; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Philippians 2:12; Galatians 6:3). While believers are called to confidence in Christ, not fear (Hebrews 4:16), it is possible for a person to be arrogant and self-deceived about their spiritual condition (1 Corinthians 3:18; Jeremiah 17:9). A person who thinks they are secure in Christ, but whose life and spirit suggest otherwise, is in danger (Hebrews 9:27; James 4:14). They are just like someone who thinks they're walking on a solid path, but skirting the edge of a cliff.

First Corinthians 10:1–13 describes how the generation of Israelites who escaped from Egypt were blessed by God and yet fell repeatedly into idol worship. God severely punished many of them, including the fate of wandering the desert until death. The Corinthians should read their example as a warning unless they, too, fall at God's hand for participating with idols. Their standing in Christ does not mean that God will not act against unfaithfulness to Him with false gods. Still, such temptations are common, and God always provides His children a way to escape from sin.

Idol worship is an extremely serious sin. Paul reminds the Christians in idol-saturated Corinth of that by referring to the history of the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness. Though blessed by God, they worshiped false idols. God killed many of them for it. Paul commands his readers to flee from idol worship. To participate with idol worship in any way is to participate with demons. God always provides some way to avoid sin. So, they must avoid giving anyone the idea that they approve of idol worship, even by knowingly eating food offered to idols. Their first question must always be, ''Will this glorify God?''

The previous chapter concluded with Paul's commitment to continue to control himself. He exercises discipline so he does not become ineffective in his ministry. He begins chapter 10 by reminding the Corinthians of how the Israelites brought consequences on themselves in the wilderness. Among their many sins was worshiping idols, and God killed many of them for it. The Corinthians must flee idol worship and any appearance of supporting the demonic practice. They are free to eat meat if they don't know that it is idol food. However, they should be ready to set aside their own freedoms and rights whenever doing so will glorify God and win others to Christ.

First Corinthians is one of the more practical books of the New Testament. Paul writes to a church immersed in a city associated with trade, but also with corruption and immorality. These believers are struggling to properly apply spiritual gifts and to resist the ungodly practices of the surrounding culture. Paul's letter gives instructions for real-life concerns such as marriage and spirituality. He also deals with the importance of unity and gives one of the Bible's more well-known descriptions of love in chapter 13.