“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
August 30, 2023
The lyrics of an old country music song come to mind, “Close the door to temptation. Don’t let it walk in.” Interestingly, there is some biblical truth in those words. We cannot live without temptations to sin. Adam and Eve started the ball rolling and it won’t stop until we see Christ, either in death or at His return. But we are not helpless when temptation to disobey God comes knocking as if some force is at work overpowering us. God provides all that the believer needs to face testing and temptation triumphantly. The escape He provides is the ability to endure. As someone has put it, “The temptation does not leave, but it is conquered.” The way out is through. This is the only way out. The Corinthian believers were warned of five possible areas of failure (10:6-10): the appeal of the old life, idolatry, immorality, tempting the Lord (but God can’t really be tempted), and complaining. Perhaps you are putting yourself, unnecessarily, in a position to be tempted. Impure thoughts will come knocking, but don’t go out of your way to stir them up. Watch and pray (Matt. 26:41). Let the Holy Spirit answer the door when temptation knocks. Ask God for the strength to resist Satan’s power.
H
“Temptations and occasions put nothing into a man, but only draw out what was in him before.” John Owens