1 Corinthians 10:6-14

6We must learn from those things that happened to our ancestors. We must not want to do very bad things, like they did.

7Do not worship idols, as some of them did. The Bible says: ‘The people sat down to eat and to drink. After that, they got up from their meal and they danced.’

8Nor must we ever have sex in wrong ways. Some of our ancestors did that, and 23,000 of them died in one day as a result.

9Nor must we do bad things to see whether the Lord will punish us. Some of our ancestors did that, and God sent snakes to destroy them.

10Do not complain against God. Some of our ancestors spoke like that, and God sent an angel of death to kill them.

11All these things happened to our ancestors so that we would learn from them. They are written in the Bible to teach us important lessons. We are people who live at a time when all things will become complete.

12If you think that you are standing strongly, be careful! Do not fall down!

13You may often want to do wrong things. The things that are difficult for you are difficult for other people too. Remember that God is always there to help you. He will not let any bad thing be too difficult for you. He will help you to stand against it. When you want to do something wrong, God will make you strong in your spirit. He will show you a way out, so that you do not do anything wrong.

14So, my friends, keep away from idols. Do not worship them.