1 Corinthians 10:12: Self-Confidence Kills
1 Corinthians 10:12: Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. [1]
1 Corinthians 10:12 connects with James 1:13-15 (previous blog series) because both show our need for the whole Trinity. [2] Particularly in this passage, Paul warns Christians to not trust their spiritual “progress.” [3] If the Corinthians remember their weakness they will see their need, trust Christ, and have assurance in Him, rather than relying on their inconsistent selves. [4]
Paul’s divinely inspired truth [5] opposes any notion that we can fix ourselves. This text reminds Christians that as their salvation began depending on the Trinity, [6] they continue depending on the Trinity. [7] Christians who rely on their efforts behave like non-Christians. Unbelievers are relying on themselves and Scripture is clear that personal effort cannot save. [8] Trusting that Christ’s life, death, and resurrection are sin’s solution saves and assures help for all of life. [9]
This blog was written by Seth Dunn
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (Wheaton, IL: Standard Bible Society, 2016), Logos Bible Software. All Scripture references will be ESV unless noted otherwise.
[2] For details, please see blogs “Tested Not Tempted” and “Desire’s Deadliness” at http://proclamationpca.com/blog/.
[3] John Calvin. Commentary on the Epistles of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, Vol. 1. Trans. John Pringle. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1981), 330.
[4] Calvin, Corinthians, 330.
[5] See 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 3:3, 3:15-16. See also James Montgomery Boice. Foundations of the Christians Faith: A comprehensive & Readable Theology, Revised in Volume One. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1981), 47.
[6] Ephesians 1:3-10; 2:1-10.
[7] Philippians 1:6. See also The Westminster Standards: The Westminster Confession of Faith, the Larger Catechism, and the Shorter Catechism. (Philadelphia, PA: Great Commission Publications, 2011), Confession of Faith chapters 25-27.
[8] John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16.
[9] Romans 8; 10:9.