All of us are tempted. . . 

Not all of us give in to the temptation, however; why is that?

We do not fall victim to temptation because we realize that it is just our base side wanting to satisfy something that will lead to sin.  We remember: God is faithful; he will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. But when we are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that we can stand up under it.                 (1 Corinthians 10.13, pronouns pluralized)

Good Morning~

We are able to overcome temptation by first recognizing it, and then seeking the help of the Holy Spirit so as not to give in to it.  When Jesus is the leader of our lives, then we have the Holy Spirit within, and the Holy Spirit gives us power!  He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world!1  Be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.  And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.2  Therefore, we need not be victim to temptation, Friends!  The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation.3  So, go to God with your temptation and ask him for help in not giving in to it.  He has promised to help us, to provide a way out for us.  ‘For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.’4

Most of us know the Lord’s Prayer, or the Our Father, in which our Lord taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation”—do you pray that you will not be led into temptation?  Do you pray that your spouse or your high school-aged son will not be led into temptation? 

Some thinking is in order here.  And, sometimes some proactive thinking is in order as well.  When you know you are heading into a situation that will cause you to be tempted, pray in advance.  (Ladies, ‘heading out to lunch with some friends?  Pray beforehand that your words will be wholesome and beneficial.5)   And, is it possible that we should look at the company we keep, or help our teens look at the pack they are running with, or are drawn toward?  Well, of course, there are those places and people who we should proactively avoid.  ‘Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.’6  And like Jesus, apprehend the power in God’s Word, by using it to give you strength. 

Did you know that you will receive a reward for standing strong in the face of temptation?  ‘Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him.’7

So, temptation is not from God; it can be overcome; and when we do overcome it, God will reward us.  God is faithful; he will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. But when we are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that we can stand up under it.

In the full passage, 1 Corinthians 10.1-13, Paul outlines the folly of a people who are being led by God, and what happens to them when they take their eyes off of God and his ways, and give in to temptation.  They faced God’s wrath and his strict judgment.  God does not wink at sin.  Hmmm . . . it seems like the children of Israel had to learn the same lesson over and over when you review their history.  It kinda’ makes you scratch your head----until you remember that we do the same thing. 

Is there any cure?  Why, yes.  Review the above—flee temptation, pray that you will not be tempted, turn to God when you are—and reread “He Will Provide a Way Out,” (yesterday's briefing), and then remember the lessons from 1 Corinthians 9.  The victor, he who overcomes, does so because he is faithful.  And, in order to be faithful, we must exercise self control, both a fruit of the Spirit, and a personal decision to be responsible. 

Have you memorized it yet?  God is faithful; he will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. But when I am tempted, he will also provide a way out so that I can stand up under it. 

God's Word never returns void.

Christine