Temptation – Part 1

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. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Is there a particular temptation that’s constantly meeting and beating you at every turn? God has made a way for you to turn temptation into triumph. Satan is called ‘the tempter’, and he knows which temptations you succumb to most easily. But Paul writes: ‘No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man.’ Jesus Himself was ‘in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin’ (Hebrews 4:15). And here’s the reason: ‘In that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted’ (Hebrews 2:18). Many young Christians think that when they are saved they no longer have to face temptation. No, when you are saved you will face more temptation than when you were lost. The same wind that blew at your back on your way to hell will blow in your face on your way to heaven. Temptation never takes a holiday. And if you take a holiday, it will go with you. It will hit you when you feel strongest, knock you down and kick you when you feel weakest. That’s why the Bible says, ‘Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall’ (1 Corinthians 10:12). What’s the answer? ‘But God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able’ (v. 13). Note two things: first, you will be tempted. Second, you will never face a temptation greater than you can bear because God is faithful. He answers prayer. Particularly the prayer Jesus told us to pray: ‘Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one’ (Matthew 6:13).

Prayer

Heavenly Father, when tempted, help me remember that You are always there and You know all that I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen