“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 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 Corinthians 10:12-13 NASB
Grace Perspective:
Escape…way out…exit. God always provides a path for us to take to flee temptation. Will we take it? We all feel temptation, the lure to sin, usually multiple times a day. But God is not the one tempting us. Instead, he provides a way to turn away from whatever entices us to do wrong.
The world, our flesh, and Satan tempt us to sin, but the temptation itself is not a sin. It’s what we do in response that matters. Do we give in, or do we take the path of escape God provides so that we can endure the temptation? It’s a choice we each have to make one temptation at a time. Knowing God has a gracious escape, waiting can give us the strength to resist temptation.
A Touch of Grace:
What’s the biggest temptation you’re facing now?
What path of escape does God provide?
Grace Application:
We all face temptations frequently, and none of them are unique to us individually. We can break temptation into three categories; what feels good to our flesh, what looks good to our eyes, and what pride says we deserve. (See 1 John 2:16) While temptation takes many forms, they all fall into one or all of these categories.
When we are tempted, our faith is being tested. Are we going to believe that God will provide a way out from the sinful thing our flesh, eyes, and/or pride desire or cave in to what’s enticing us? With each test of temptation, we can choose to obey God and trust that He will give us the strength to turn away from what’s tempting us.
We all are tempted. Even Jesus was tempted. In Matthew 4:1-11, we see that Satan tempted Jesus. When Jesus was tempted by the things Satan offered, He used God’s word to turn away. Scripture is a powerful tool against temptation. Like Christ, as we speak God’s word, our hearts and minds are reminded that the Lord is with us even when enticed to sin. With bold confidence, we can trust God will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we can endure. Stand firm dear friends, and know God is always with us, graciously providing a way of escape when temptations come knocking.
Gracious Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, thankful that You always provide a way of escape when I am tempted to sin. You will never allow me to be tempted beyond what I can endure. Forgive me for the times I fail to turn away from sin and give into my flesh. Help me to quickly confess my sin and receive Your gracious forgiveness. Holy Spirit, help me to remember Scripture that will guard my mind and heart against temptation, so I flee when it comes knocking. Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me how to endure temptation and help me take the path of escape like You did. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray that you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**