What does 1 Corinthians 10:1 mean?

The previous chapter concluded with Paul's statement about treating his spiritual discipline much as an athlete does his physical training. He continues to keep himself under control to avoid the possibility he would be disqualified. He did not mean by this that he feared he would lose his salvation, but that he could wander into sin and be removed from spiritual success in this life.

Paul turns now to a warning to the Christians in Corinth. The God who disciplined the Israelites in the wilderness for sin is also their God. Paul will warn them of the possibility of being disciplined by God, especially for the sins of worshiping idols and participating in sexual immorality.

Paul begins by pointing to the great blessings the Israelites had received after the exodus from Egypt. All of them passed under the cloud. That is, they travelled through the wilderness under the direction and guidance of the Lord in the form of pillars of cloud and fire that went before them to lead the way. In addition, they all passed through the Red Sea on dry land, making possible their escape from the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:21–28). This was evidence of God's great protection for them.

In a similar way, all Christians experience God's guidance through His Word and the Holy Spirit. We experience His protection, by salvation from sin and hell through faith in Christ.