Take Heed Lest You Fall 1 Corinthians 10:12

The evil ways of the children of Israel in the wilderness were employed by Paul the apostle as “examples” and “warnings” to the church members in Corinth, and in chapter ten and verse twelve of First Corinthians, Paul told the Corinthian church member who “thinks he stands” to “take heed lest he fall” where we read:

Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

The verse begins, “Wherefore let him that thinks he stands ...” Paul began with the word, “Wherefore” which is a conclusion word that means “so that, insomuch that, so then and therefore” “let him that thinks” or “permit and allow the person who who is of the opinion, accounts and supposes” “he stands” which refers to “he is put, set in place, made firm, established, kept intact and continued safe and sound, unharmed and prepared”. Paul exhorted those among the church members who were of the mindset that they were “steadfast, unwavering and without hesitation”.

The verse continues, “... take heed lest he fall.” Paul continued with the words, “take heed” or “to discern, perceive, observe, understand, consider and contemplate” “lest” which means “so never and not that” “he fall” or “he descend from a higher place to a lower, be thrust down, fall under judgment or come under condemnation”. Paul's exhortation was to use caution and be fearful of a prideful stance because those with unsure and boastful footing are likely to “be thrust down, judged and condemned”.

When we consider these words from Paul, we understand his firm warning to those who feel they are certain concerning their positions of faith. Even while we have a relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ, we are subject to “fall” if we have confidence within ourselves and our own “steadfastness”. Too many Christians have come under “judgment and condemnation” because they have thought themselves beyond sinful behavior, and they fail to realize their trust must not be in themselves, but in the power of the Holy Spirit of God. Since Paul warned the Corinthian church members concerning this issue, perhaps we should remember, we are to “take caution” and “have no confidence in our flesh” “lest” we be the next one to tumble down.

Next time Paul told the church members, “there is no temptation taken you but such as is common to man”, and he shares about “a way of escape” from them, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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