Important Lessons for a Very Peculiar Churchنموونە

Three vital truths about temptation

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

I imagine I have pulled this arrow out of my quiver hundreds of times over the years. This verse is invaluable. God is telling us three things about temptation. Three vital truths.

First, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.” In other words, you are not the only one to wrestle with this sin. You are not alone. You are not an exception. In fact, this temptation is common. Lots of people have faced this temptation and defeated it.

Second, “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability.” That is, beyond your ability to say no. God is faithful to protect us, strengthen us, and give us what we need, and He will not let us be tempted beyond our ability to say no. This is big. I can never think to myself, I just cannot help myself. I have to give in to this sin. It’s just the way I am. That’s a lie. If we believe this lie—“I’ve just got to succumb”—then we’re defeated already.

And then, finally, “But with the temptation [God] will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” What a splendid promise! You don’t have to say yes to sin. You never have to say yes. Do you think you have to lose your temper? Do you think you have to cheat on your expense report? Do you think that you have to go to that pornography site on your computer? Do you think you have to take that drink (if you’re an alcoholic)? Do you think that you have to give way to sexual sin? Do you think that you have to lose your patience with your kids? No, you don’t. God will provide the way of escape. You can say no.

Verses 12 and 13 in 1 Corinthians 10 are back-to-back verses, giving complementary and vital truths:

Verse 12: You are not immune from sin.

Verse 13: You do not have to sin.

Verse 12: Never think that you are immune from that sin.

Verse 13: Never think that you have to do that sin.