The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Corinthians 10:11-13, “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written

for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he

stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and

God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation

will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.”

“Now, watch how he does it and do it the same way.” Did someone ever say that to you? Why would

they say something like that? When they want us to learn how to do something, they use someone

who has already learned how as an example, a pattern, for us to follow.

Paul uses the word example twice (vv. 6 & 11) to instruct us what not to do and what to do. We are

not to desire things that are evil. We are not be idolaters (image worshippers). We are not to behave

immorally (sexually). We are not to try (test, temp) the LORD. And we are not to grumble (mutter)

against others, much less, against the LORD. It would be enough if this instruction were from Paul

alone; but, he cites Old Testament examples for our instruction as well.

“Oh, I’m alright,” you say. “None of that bad stuff bothers me.” Be careful! You just may be the next

person to fall. Still, the temptations (solicitations to do evil) that have destroyed others are the same

as those that threaten you. The one hope you have is that “God is faithful.” He will not allow the

solicitation to evil that come to you to be greater than you can overcome. He provides you the way

to escape. But you cannot just sit there. You have to get up and run from the temptation. The LORD

opens the door for your escape, but you have to run through it to find victory.

We love you and continually pray for you every day,

Nana & Dado III

P. S. We originally intended these Grands Letters for our grandchildren. But they now are being delivered

to many others. To you, who are those “others,” we are either “Mom & Dad” or “Gene & Rose Marie.”

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”