Age doesn’t relieve it. Spiritual maturity doesn’t shield you from it. Some may wrongly believe or teach that the “Godlier” you become you outgrow it, or are untouched by it, or that it is beneath and behind you. Not So!
The Godlier you become as the Holy Spirit conforms you to Christlikeness in your thinking, motivations, and choices the greater the attack can be on you. For He will zero in on your life to love God and others more and more, and as you continue increasingly in seeking the Kingdom of God as the priority of living in the circumstances where you find yourself with the people you find yourself with. “THE” temptations may be “tailored” to you differently, not as crude but more “subtle,” such as tempting to “spiritual pride,” the thought that you are better than others, more knowledgeable- which well may be but the knowledge is puffing you up where it should be producing more love through you to God and others! Subtle but satanic temptation. Pride goes before a fall…, Beware lest you fall! – “Therefore let the one who thinks he stands firm [immune to temptation, being overconfident and self-righteous], take care that he does not fall [into sin and condemnation].”– {1 Cor 10:12 Amplified Bible}
You will never outgrow temptation, being tempted in this life because the enemy of God, and you and all people never quits in his attempt to persuade you to choose sin and in doing so dishonor God in your life! And though the temptations may differ the goal is always the same, seeking to tempt you to sin against God!
At various times it can seem your mind and emotions are getting pounded, with “THE” specific temptation! As I Corinthians 10:13 shows it is not “A” temptation,” but “THE,” it is specifically tailored for you and me, and if we choose to yield in that area, the evil one will continue to tempt in that area as he has seen it works! It’s like fishing. If you are catching fish using a specific bait, why would you change? It’s working! The evil one needs not to change his tactics either if it’s working!
With every Temptation God provides “THE Way of escape!” With each specific temptation as noted by the word “THE” in the verse, note God also provides “THE” specific way so not to sin when tempted! Temptation is not your master, The LORD Jesus Christ is!-{1 Cor 10:13}
POWER, PROMISES, AND PRACTICING THEM!
You have the POWER through the Spirit of God and APPLYING the PROMISES of God to “Cut bait,” and realize you do not have to yield to the temptation to sin against God because of His POWER and PROMISES for you to avail of and put into and continue to PRACTICE.
This verse teaches that we do not have to sin when tempted! God supplies HIS Alternative…
1.- GOD’S PROVISION…
“No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, [a]so He 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 Corinthians 10:13}. Note “THE” Specific temptation and “THE” Specific way of escape!
2.- GOD’S POWER…
“By His divine power, God has given us everything we need to live a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself using His marvelous glory and excellence. And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”- {2 Peter 1:3-4 nlt}
3.- GOD’S ACTIVITY IN YOU…GOD IS PERSONALLY INVESTED IN YOU…
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases HIM.”-{Phil 4:13 nlt}
You do NOT have to sin against Him when tempted, you can…honor Him by availing of His power and applying His promises!
True, you never will outgrow temptation ….
“BUT GOD….”
it is also true is that YOU WILL NEVER OUTGROW OR OUTLIVE OR OUTNEED THE PROMISES, PRESENCE and POWER OF GOD’S PROVISION, for every temptation you will ever face!
You need not be overcome by temptation but you can OVERCOME temptation because you have “But God…” who is present and provides for you in EVERY temptation you will ever face!
How wonderful our LORD God is!
Your Faithful Shepherd supplies your needs even and specifically when tempted in the Valley of Difficulties!
God bless
Aidan