1 Corinthians 10:1313 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. We live in a culture much like that of Paul’s. A culture filled with moral depravity and sin-inducing pressures. Paul sent an encouragement to the Corinthians about temptation. One that we can and should encourage ourselves in today. Here is what Paul was telling them, and what I would say to you today:
V.13a: The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.
1) Temptations happen to everyone, so don’t feel you’ve been singled out!
If you are alive today…there is something you can & have been tempted with. Don’t feel like you’re alone in this and that you are a failure. You’re not a failure, you’re not messed up, you’re not being targeted…You’re just Human!
If you are alive today…there is something you can & have been tempted with. Don’t feel like you’re alone in this and that you are a failure. You’re not a failure, you’re not messed up, you’re not being targeted…You’re just Human!
2) Others have resisted temptation, and so can you!The Bible says “resist the devil and he will flee from you”. If it was impossible to resist it, God would not have said it was in the Bible. This verse is found in James 4:7 and there is a key here to resisting the devil. It is found in the first part of that verse; “Submit yourselves to God.” There are millions of people in the world who must wake up each day and resist the temptation to do something that they know is wrong. If they can do it…so can you! Try submitting each & every morning to God.
V.13b: And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.
3) God is faithful and will not allow any temptation come to you that you can not withstand! I don’t think we could make it any more clear than that. God will not put on you nor let anything come to you, more than you can bare.
V.13c: When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
4) Any temptation can be resisted, because God will show you a way out!
When you are being tempted, look around; God will have a way out. Now you may have to really look, you may have to fight, you may have to blatantly get up & remove yourself, but just know, the way out is there!
Here are a few key strategies in defeating temptation:
a) Recognize those people and situations that give you constant trouble!
b) Run from anything you know is wrong!
c) Choose to do only what is right!
d) Pray for God’s help!
e) Devote yourself to studying His Word.
f) Seek & surround yourself with friends who love God and can offer help when you are tempted.
I pray for God’s blessings over you and that He may give you strength today to deal with whatever it is that’s dealing with you! Remember…GOD IS FAITHFUL!
~ Matt
