Another good example of AUDIENCE RELEVANCE by Tuese Ahkiong

Another good example of AUDIENCE RELEVANCE

by Tuese Ahkiong

So, my last post got me thinking of another similar passage related to imminent judgment in the first century at Christ's return and the end of the age.

1 Corinthians 10
For I do not want YOU to be unaware, brothers, that OUR FATHERS WERE ALL UNDER THE CLOUD, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses IN THE CLOUD and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and THE ROCK WAS CHRIST. 5 Nevertheless, WITH MOST OF THEM GOD WAS NOT PLEASED, FOR THEY WERE OVERTHROWN IN THE WILDERNESS.
6 Now these things took place as EXAMPLES FOR US, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters AS SOME OF THEM WERE; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality AS SOME OF THEM DID, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, AS SOME OF THEM DID and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, AS SOME OF THEM DID and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 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. 12 Therefore let ANYONE who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let YOU be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that YOU may be able to endure it.

1 & 2 Corinthians were written by Paul TO the Church in Corinth (if that was not obvious) around 55-56AD. I say state the obvious because modern day Christians are constantly saying the Bible was written TO THEM. Sorry Charlie!

1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:

V1 Paul was NOT writing TO “you,” in 21st century but to the “you,” the church in Corinth in the 1st century.

Paul is admonishing them to not to be like their fathers in doing evil.

V6 Their Fathers were examples for “US.” The “US” is NOT “US” in 2014 but the “US,” “The Corinth Church” including Paul.

V7-10 Paul gives examples of as some of them (the fathers) did.

V11 Paul states the failures of the fathers were examples and instruction for the church in Corinth.

V11 ON WHOM THE END OF THE AGES HAS COME. The Old Covenant Age was coming to an end and ended completely in 70A.D.

V12-14 Paul again admonishes the saints not to rebel in sin.