November 29, 2022

I Corinthians 10: 13 (NIV)

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Impulses to sin are universal, even if they are different impulses for different people.*

Some facts about temptation: We are not consistently tempted by the same things all the time. My weaknesses are not exactly like yours. We are all tempted by something sometime. God hasn’t promised that we will not face temptations.

We tend to concentrate on the part of this verse that says that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. It makes us think of ourselves as strong and well-equipped to resist sin’s enticements. We overlook the promise that God will provide a way out. So, instead of looking for that escape hatch, we try to face down our devils. When we fail, we make excuses and look for someone to blame.

The strength God promises is ours – for the taking. Look for the way of escape – which, as someone has observed, is not necessarily an easy way.* Passive resistance is not enough. It must be coupled with action – seeking and escaping.  We might even consider the prudence of actively avoiding tempting situations. There is no shame in asking God to direct your path.

Temptation is inevitable – Satan has not given up. But Paul wants us to understand that no sin is unique or irresistible. Look for that way out so that you can avail yourself of the strength that God provides.

When tempted, look. Look for the way out. Taking the way out leads to victorious living.*