AN ENVIRONMENT OF TEMPTATION; 

The word “temptation” speaks of a “test” or “to prove.” It is a neutral word. It is not sinful. “Temptation” has two meanings depending on the context.

We live in a world and surrounded on a daily basis of temptations of all types, the temptation to trust Him or not, to Honor Him or deny Him that Honor, and at times give to self or someone or something else. The temptation to be truthful or dishonest. The temptation to boast in self or boast in self. The temptation to love or with-hold love. The temptation to not hold grudges but in love cover sin, or to yield and embrace resentment, bitterness. The temptation to return evil with evil, insult with insult rather than blessing. There is the temptation to sexual purity, or immorality. There is the temptation to exalt self or exalt God. The temptation to believe His Word or displace it. Temptations are prevalent in all areas of our lives, and come in various types, some we might consider gross, that are offensive to us, that have no appeal to us. Others subtle. All temptation offers us something for us but the cost is bondage, dishonoring God! Temptation is an inward solicitation coming from an outward test. There are relational tests, financial tests, integrity tests, and how to respond, either God’s way or yielding to temptation and do it our own way and end up sinning in the test.

But with every temptation be it subtle or full on, God has made provision for you and me so as not to yield to temptation and sin against Him. Take each temptation as a test that God wants you to pass and use to mature you spiritually.{ Read James 1:3-4}.

” 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.”-{1 Cor 10:13}.

Whatever Temptation you face, Know…

1. GOD’S PERSPECTIVE –IT IS NOT UNIQUE TO YOU.- “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is COMMON to man.” At times you may “feel” no one else is going through what you are going through or understands. But the Truth of His Word says this is “common to” others.

2. GOD’S PROMISE – “GOD IS FAITHFUL.” In the temptation you are not alone or unseen for God is present and He assures you He is faithful, reliable, trustworthy. Paul said when he was standing before the enemies of Christ that though all others abandoned him “the LORD stood with me.” Joseph when tempted by Potiphars wife said “How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?”-{Gen 39:9}. He was conscious he lived in the presence of God and all he did was in open view before God.  You never face a temptation that God is not present with you and in this verse His aspect of faithfulness is assured. “…who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able.” God will never allow you to face any temptation where the only way out is to sin against Him.

3. GOD’S PROVISION. God provides “The Way of Escape.” Note, with specific temptations as the word “the” indicates” there is “the” specific way of escape, which God provides. The word“Escape”- {Ekbasis} means “a way out of a defile, a mountain pass.” The idea is that of an army trapped and surrounded…or trapped in a rugged country, which manages to escape through a mountain pass. What a beautiful picture, harrowing to be sure “surrounded” does not sound too “beautiful” but look again there is “the” provision of the way of escape from their enemies! And so for you too, God’s beloved. God makes “the” way of escape for you in every temptation you face and will ever face, so that you are able to “endure” it and not sin against Him! The word “endure” is “hupopherō.” It literally means “to get under it and carry it.” The test comes and you “endure” it, how? By following God’s prescription, pattern for you!

How do we endure?

By turning away from lust to His Word and meditating on what He says such as in  Psalm 119:11, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.” And again what His Word says in 1 Corinthians 10:13. His Word is our refuge, comfort, support, strengthener that the Holy Spirit uses to bring about perseverance and spiritual maturity.-{James 1:3-4}. His Word gives us insight His Spirit gives us understanding and empowerment as we yield to Him and not temptation, we will pass the test, we will endure and God will bring about character change and spiritual growth in each of us. As well as His Word we turn to Him and cry out in Prayer,”And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.“-{Matthew 6:13}. 

We know His purpose is to spiritually mature us.

We turn to His Word

We turn to Him in prayer! 

We take Him at His Word.

We can “endure” because… we have God’s Perspective, God’s Promise, God’s Provision for us! We can hold up and not sin in our temptation. How do we know? God says so!

When “tempted,” talk to yourself, ask yourself,

“What is God’s Perspective for me in this? …

What is God’s Promise to me?…

What is God’s Provision for me?”

And I Cor 10:13 is His answer to you and for you, in every test, temptation so you need not  sin against Him! What a promise of Hope from the God of all Hope! “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.”-{2 Peter 1:3 NLT}… and He has gifted us “Precious and Magnificent  PROMISES,” for us to avail of, and this is part of His love expressed to you whom He loves!-{2 Peter 1:4}.You have God’s promise in your temptation.

What temptation are you facing presently?

How are you responding to it? Your way, the way you have always or God’s way? What are the three truths to know from 1 Cor 10:13 and apply. Romans 12:2 says,”And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect,” and this we do by knowing and applying His Word to our circumstances, our temptation.

We live in a world of temptation but we have God’s Perspective, God’s Promise, God’s Provision for each temptation and we can by faith live, no longer believing the lie we have to give in or that we are slaves to sin, for we are Free in Christ, all who have turned to Him in repentance and faith and “whom the Son sets free is free indeed!”-{John 8;31-32}.

We live in an environment of Temptation to sin, but we need not yield, for God is faithful to us in providing for us in each and every temptation we face!

Memorize and Meditate on 1 Cor 10:13  and apply.  Use the three headings, God’s Perspective, God’s Promise, God’s Provision, to help you explain and share the passage to encourage others.