Paul explains here that the Exodus of Israel from Egypt under Moses and forty years of wandering in the desert is an allegory of the gospel. Passing through the Red Sea was like the baptism of new birth in Christ, and the water the Israelites drank from the rock in the desert represents our spiritual nourishment by the Word of God (2-4). Paul writes this as a warning, because even though the people of Israel received all these benefits, most of them did not have faith that pleased God. (5) They fell into grievous sins that brought God’s judgment (7-10).

Christian believers face the same spiritual danger that the Israelites did, because we have the same sinful nature. No one is immune to temptation. Some Corinthian Christians thought their freedom in Christ meant they could enjoy idolatrous sinful pleasures with no consequences. They told themselves they were standing firm, but their pride blinded them to their own sinful tendencies and made them vulnerable to falling (12). Thank God that we have power in Christ to overcome temptations (13). But it requires humble watchfulness, knowing our sinful nature’s tendencies.
Application: Father, thank you for showing us the example of those who failed to have faith. Help me stand firm by being watchful for temptation.
One Word: Standing firm means watching out for temptation.