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The Temptations
“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, so that you will be able to endure it” (I
Corinthians 10:13).
Since the serpent entered the garden,
temptation has been in our world. Before we were old enough to
discern good from evil, the devil laid the footholds of temptation
in our lives. Now that we are old enough to know better, we are
often enslaved by our bad habits.
In that scenario, we feel helpless. Our
cry mirrors Paul’s in Romans
7:14-25. We want to do right, but so often we do not. What
happened? We became habitual sinners; our habits took over.
In I
Corinthians 10:13, Paul teaches us some great lessons
about temptation and sin.
1)
Every temptation you have ever gone through is common to
man. Despite how it may feel to you, many others experience the
exact same temptations you experience. You are not alone.
2)
God will never let you be tempted beyond what you are
able. You can overcome every temptation that Satan throws your
way.
3)
God provides a way of escape from each temptation.
Notice, it does not say God saves you from every temptation or
that He takes the temptations away. It says God provides an
escape. You must choose to take it. True, the way of escape will
often be narrow and difficult (Matthew
7:13-14), but the way will be there.
Psalm
119:33-40 and Psalm 141:3-10 both help
us understand how to take the way of escape.
1)
Be devoted to God’s word. Knowing His will helps us do
His will when temptations come.
2)
Learn to control your thinking, turning your heart away
from wickedness and focusing on what is righteous (cf.
Philippians
4:8). In fact, think beforehand about what you will do
in the face of temptation; overcoming will be easier.
3)
Control your eyes. Do not look at things that are
tempting, looking at them only increases the temptation.
4)
Watch what you talk about. Don’t talk about committing
a sin. Don’t joke about sin. Talk about what is righteous.
5)
Develop a relationship with those who are righteous and
let them hold you accountable.
Finally, make the choice to walk in God’s way every day
and then do it. Remember, you can do all things through Christ who
strengthens you (Philippians
4:13), even overcome temptation.
Edwin L. Crozier
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