As Examples For Us

1 Corinthians 10:1-6 (ESV)

1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.

Israel was baptized into Moses, entered the wilderness with God in the lead and Christ who followed them. Nevertheless, God was not pleased and they were overthrown in the wilderness. 

How is this an example for us? Going through the baptism of repentance does not guarantee salvation. It brings us to the beginning of our wilderness journey. Faith opens the door to salvation, but it is the obedience of faith that will allow us to reach the other side. We please God with our obedience, which is how we show our love. In this way we work out our own salvation. 

Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV)

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

God is not working in us if are not transforming our minds to will and work for His good pleasure.