Dealing with Temptation – 1 Corinthians 10:13

In 1 Corinthians 10:13 Paul sheds some light on sin that gives us a lot of hope when it comes to dealing with temptation in our lives,

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. Temptation is common to being human and yet God is still faithful even though we do get tempted on a regular basis.
2. “God is faithful” – All of what Paul wrote in this verse hinges on the faithfulness of God. If dealing with temptation was up to our own power and righteousness we would be in deep trouble.
3. God won’t allow temptation to come on you that is greater than you can bear. In other words, if you are undergoing a specific temptation, God already knows you can handle it with his help (refer back to #2). That gives us confidence that we aren’t helpless or hopeless when it comes to temptation.
4. God provides a way out. Each and every temptation we encounter has a solution. There is a choice to be made. There is no way to be forced into sin. Each and every one has an escape route. The problem we face is that the devil is very good at putting us into situations where sinning is the “expedient route.” Instead of taking the tough, righteous route we often choose sin. It is important that we look back at points 1, 2 & 3 to see that God is working hard on our behalf to make sure we can avoid sin. But it takes work on our part to partner with God in choosing the righteous route even when it hurts, dings our pride, etc.

So whatever you are dealing with know that God is on your side, pulling for you. God has provided everything in advance we need to deal with sin if we will just trust Him and trust that choosing the righteous thing will always turn our right. Know that the choice is sitll yours but in that to recognize that God has already set up everything for your success in any given temptation. That should give us hope and confidence to live holy lives while relying on God to help us and provide grace when we fail.