1 Corinthians 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

Yesterday I spoke of the differences between urges and temptations. In that I said my doctor warned me of diabetes and was monitoring my A1C. Here Paul is performing a similar task for the Corinthians because it is his calling and duty to do so.

Paul came and established the gospel in Corinth. Those new believers then gathered together and began to fellowship together. Many of the problems that arose from those gatherings were the product of ignorant sin. They did not know any better. Because Paul loved them, he warned them.

We should remember that at this time our 66 book bible was not in circulation. Paul was writing it as he went. We have that great privilege of learning from other people’s mistakes. We can read the warnings of consequences without performing ignorant sins.

One of the great tragedies of parenthood is listening to my children say they need to make their own mistakes. Learn from the mistakes of others! Learning the lessons of consequences avoids the suffering of those consequences.

“I’m not like that!”

Have you ever uttered or heard those words? Self-diagnosis is not medical advice. Self-diagnosis is not righteousness. Self-diagnosis is not holiness.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

The Comforter has come to teach you were temptation lies and warns you to avoid it. His medical manual is your bible. Spiritual good health is found there in the practice of His Word.