"Finding Your Escape Route (1 Corinthians 10)" by Neal Pollard

February 8, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon   This episode weaves together worship, Scripture, and practical counsel as the speaker moves from congregational singing to a focused lesson on escaping the traps of sin. The episode opens with a celebration of singing after deliverance — referencing Moses and Miriam at the Red Sea and noting early Christian practice (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). Using the modern metaphor of escape rooms, Neal frames sin as a spiritual trap: universal, persistent, and learned. Citing Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Romans 3:23, he emphasizes that everyone stumbles and that ongoing struggle with sin is normal. The poem “Autobiography in Five Short Chapters” by Portia Nelson is used to illustrate stages of change and the hope of walking a different street. The core of the message draws from 1 Corinthians chapters 8–10, where Paul warns the Corinthian church about idolatry, immorality, and testing God. The speaker extracts four practical steps from Paul for breaking free: 1) avoid negative influences that lead to idolatry or immorality; 2) cultivate contentment and gratitude rather than grumbling (Philippians 4:11); 3) be honest about your vulnerability and avoid overconfidence; and 4) do not love anything or anyone more than God. Biblical examples (the Israelites’ failures, Exodus 32, Numbers 25) and cultural warnings (the influence of permissive philosophies) illustrate why these steps matter. Practical next steps and pastoral counsel are offered: confess sin (1 John 1:9), seek accountability and help from others (James 5:16), and rely on God’s faithfulness and the promise of a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). The speaker stresses that asking for help is not weakness but humility and courage, and he encourages listeners who are spiritually lost or struggling to respond to the gospel or request further study and support. The episode closes with an appeal to stand and sing in response and a reminder that, even if you feel overwhelmed, God provides a path out — whether through private repentance, communal accountability, or the saving work of Christ. Expect Scripture-rich teaching, practical application, pastoral compassion, and invitations to worship and prayer.   Handout: FINDING YOUR ESCAPE ROUTE (1 Corinthians 10)  Neal Pollard  Introduction    A. In 1 Corinthians 8-10, Paul Writes The Corinthians To __________________ _________________    B. The ___________ Has Basic, Effective Ways To Keep Us On The _____________ Of ____________    C. To Make Your Escape....    I. _________________ NEGATIVE ___________________ (1-9)    A. Paul Uses ________________ As An Example To The Corinthians    II. BE ______________ WITH WHAT YOU _______________ (10)    III. BE _______________ WITH ____________________ (12)    A. We Think We're _________________ And We Don't ______________; We _______________    IV. DON'T ______________ ANYONE/ANYTHING _______________ THAN ________________ (14)    Conclusion    A. We Can _________________ Any _________________ Problem (13)!  Duration 34:58