Learning from the Past to Walk in Faith
The Bible is not just a record of ancient events—it is God’s living word, written for our instruction. 1 Corinthians 10:11 tells us:
“Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” (1 Corinthians 10:11, ESV)
Paul is referring to Israel’s history—how they wandered in the wilderness, fell into sin, and faced judgment. He warns the church not to repeat their mistakes but instead to learn from their failures.
At the same time, the New Testament gives us a contrast to Israel’s disobedience: the faithful saints of Hebrews 11. This chapter, often called the “Hall of Faith,” highlights those who trusted in God despite hardships. Their lives stand in stark contrast to the failures Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 10.
This article will explore how these two passages—1 Corinthians 10 and Hebrews 11—work together to teach us faithfulness.
I. The Warnings of 1 Corinthians 10: Learning from Israel’s Failures
Paul begins 1 Corinthians 10 by reminding the church of Israel’s journey through the wilderness. He emphasizes that although they had spiritual privileges, many still fell into sin:
“For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.” (1 Corinthians 10:1-5, ESV)
Four Major Warnings from Israel’s History
Paul then lists four sins that caused Israel to fall, warning the church not to follow their example:
- Idolatry – “Do not be idolaters as some of them were” (1 Corinthians 10:7).
Israel worshiped the golden calf (Exodus 32). - Sexual Immorality – “We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day.” (1 Corinthians 10:8).
Refers to Numbers 25 when Israel sinned with the Moabite women. - Testing Christ – “We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents.” (1 Corinthians 10:9).
Israel doubted God’s provision (Numbers 21:5-6). - Grumbling – “Nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.” (1 Corinthians 10:10).
Complaining led to judgment (Numbers 14:27-30).
Paul concludes:
“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12, ESV)
II. The Example of Hebrews 11: Learning from the Faithful
While 1 Corinthians 10 warns against faithlessness, Hebrews 11 celebrates faithfulness. This chapter shows how Old Testament saints lived by faith, trusting God’s promises.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)
Examples of Faith from Hebrews 11
- Abel’s Faith in Worship – (Hebrews 11:4)
- Noah’s Faith in Obedience – (Hebrews 11:7)
- Abraham’s Faith in God’s Call – (Hebrews 11:8)
- Moses’ Faith in Choosing God – (Hebrews 11:24-26)
III. The Call to Action: Learning from the Past
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2, ESV)
What Should We Do?
- Examine Our Hearts
- Stay Faithful in Trials
- Fix Our Eyes on Jesus
Conclusion: Will We Learn from the Past?
1 Corinthians 10 and Hebrews 11 are two sides of the same lesson:
- One warns against unfaithfulness.
- The other encourages us to live by faith.
We have the advantage of learning from their stories—but will we apply them? May we walk by faith and not fall into the same traps, knowing that these things were written for our instruction.
How will you respond to the examples given in Scripture?