Lesson: Why is it so important for a Christian to continue living like one? Because our eternal life depends on it! Therefore, we must exercise self-control to flee from idolatry. We are not above falling (see Exhibit A: Israel). 

Big Picture: Paul sets forth Israel as those who failed to obtain the prize, even though they had their own form/type of “baptism” and “Lord’s Supper.” All of them had these privileges; nonetheless, God was displeased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered over the desert.  

1. The imperishable crown (9:24-27)
2. Lessons from Israel’s history (10:1-13)

• Israel’s sin: idolatry, sexual immorality, “testing” the Lord (i.e., by doubting his goodness or ability, as in Ex. 17:2), and grumbling. (These sins are not unknown among contemporary believers!)

• Israel’s punishment: their bodies were scattered in the wilderness (5); 23,000 died in a single day (8); they were killed by snakes (9); they were killed by the destroying angel (10) 

• Warning: God warns us to continue in the faith lest we be disqualified and fall and experience destruction. These warnings are real. They are one of the means God uses to enable us to continue 

• Encouragement: the temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. God is faithful - he will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.