“Don’t become idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and got up to party. Let us not commit sexual immorality as some of them did, and in a single day twenty-three thousand people died. Let us not test Christ as some of them did and were destroyed by snakes. And don’t grumble as some of them did, and were killed by the destroyer.” 1 Corinthians 10:7-10 CSB https://bible.com/bible/1713/1co.10.7-10.CSB

Four things are described that hurt the Church’s growth and witness, of which all in Christ are members. These things keep us from being fruitful and effective for Christ, resulting in our culture growing in hostility and disobedience to God and His people. When the Church worships something other than Jesus most and first, we are idolaters. Many will forsake gatherings on Sunday with the brethren to ensure their children are playing with pagans on Sunday at some sporting event. What do we love more than God, as demonstrated by the use of our time and treasure? Sexual immorality is rampant in our culture and in the Church. From pornography to adultery to fornication to the promotion of homosexuality, all of these things are an abomination to God, Who made us to be holy as He is holy. Our bodies belong to Christ for His use in working for His glory. Our bodies are not to be constantly pleasured by their sinful desires. We test Christ when we try to make Him do what we are responsible for accomplishing. We complain about the state of the world when we are responsible for sharing the gospel and discipling the world so that God’s world takes over this world more and more. His kingdom come, and His will be done on earth as in heaven. It is the responsibility of each church member to be obedient to seek and save the lost, then teach every person to obey everything Jesus commands, even as we live by example in obedience. Finally, failure to execute our assignment is not grounds for complaining about people or God. The world reflects the impact of our faithfulness to do the work of God. We mustn’t complain but encourage one another daily to love and do good works helping each other stay faithful while working together to become more fruitful to make Jesus known as King of kings and Lord of lords.