1 Corinthians 10:13

I Corinthians 10

13 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.

One of the things we are guaranteed to encounter in the Christian life is temptation. Although your heart and mind may be set on Christ, temptation is sure to creep in. In that moment, you can respond in your spirit and reject it, or in your flesh by caving to it.

Sometimes we feel like the temptation we face is shameful. We feel like we shouldn’t struggle with some of the things we do and we don’t want others to know about the ugly sin we face. Other times, we feel like the temptation is too strong, that we can’t say no… that the temptation we are facing is our ‘Achilles heel,’ our worst weakness. Othertimes, we are just unprepared; temptation comes and we bend to sin before we even realize what was happening. All of these approaches are dangerous for the Christian.

I Corinthians 10:13 reminds us that there is no temptation that we will face that others have not been through. You are not alone. Someone else has been there or is facing it with you. Find them! Seek accountability. Ecclesiastes 4:12 discusses the strength in numbers, saying that while one alone is weak, two people can hold each other up, and a three are even stronger. Don’t hide your struggle. Find someone to confess it to that will ask the hard questions and encourage you in your walk with God.

This verse also promises us that God will not let us be tempted beyond our ability. This always reminds me of Job’s story. He faced crazy trials and tribulations and was constantly tempted to denounce his faith. But none of that could happen to Job without God’s permission. Satan literally had to go before God and receive permission to do those things in his life. God allowed it because he knew Job’s strength. If you are being tempted, God knows your strength. He is aware of what you can bear. It is not too much; you can prevail. Is it too much for you on your own? Face it with God. 2 Corinthians 12:9 tells us that He is strong in our weakness.

Finally, 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us that the fight against temptation is an active one. God promises that there will be an escape, a way out of the temptation we are facing. I think this is one of the most important components of facing temptation. Look for the escape! Where is the way out? Don’t just stand in the presence of temptation and expect to willpower your way out of it. Flee! The way of escape is always there.

Temptation is coming… it is all around you. Be prepared. Remember- you are not alone in your struggle, you can overcome it, and must look for the way out. God is faithful.

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

I Corinthians 12:9- But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.