There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV
We are fortunate to serve a God that is faithful. In this letter to the Corinthians, Paul lets us know that temptation is not unusual. He encourages us to understand that God will not allow temptation beyond what believers can escape and bear in Christ. As we read in James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. KJV”
Remember when tempted to sin, this a common experience for all men and women and God provides a way to overcome it. We can resist, and we can walk away. We can seek the face of God and submit to his will. Others have overcome and you can too.
As James, the brother of Jesus wrote in James 1:2-3, “Count it all joy, my brothers, and sisters, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. WEB” Temptation is an opportunity to grow in strength, faith, and self-control.
Christ Was Tempted
God is faithful always. After fasting for forty days and forty nights, Jesus was repeatedly tempted by Satan. Each time, Christ used the word of God to overcome his adversary. In Matthew 4, when tempted to turn stones to bread Jesus said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. KJV”
After that failed effort, Satan attempts to use the word of God against Jesus, tempting him to throw himself from the highest point of the temple in Jerusalem, reminding Christ of scripture that signifies the Lord will send angels to protect him from the fall. But once more, Jesus overcomes his adversary with the word of God saying, “It is written again, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. KJV”
Jesus Is Our Example
Finally, tempted with an offer of ownership of all the kingdoms of the world if only Christ would worship Satan, Jesus responded, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. KJV”
Knowing the word of God and applying it to his situation, Jesus gave a great example of how to overcome temptation. When tempted, resist, and turn to the example of Jesus who said this in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world. WEB” God is faithful. Whenever we’re tempted, he will provide a way out.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the example and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Thank you for providing a way out of temptation and sin. Lead me away from anything in life that is not pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen.”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Close to the Brokenhearted
