Articles
Three Facts about Temptation
“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 10:13).
The temptation to sin is life’s greatest challenge. This text reminds us of three important facts about it.
First, “no temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man.” I suppose it is natural to think that we are facing something alone, or we are dealing with a problem no one else has. Teens are certain that mom and dad “just don’t understand.” How often does someone who is struggling say, “You don’t know what I am going through.” The current pandemic is unlike anything in our lifetimes, yet it is by no means unprecedented.
There is a great danger in viewing one’s challenges as unique. It is despair: the assumption that no help is available, and especially, that Bible solutions to one’s problems will not work.
In the preceding verses, Paul reminded the Corinthians that they were facing the same old temptations that came Israel’s way 1,500 years earlier. Circumstances may change, but Satan’s tactics do not.
You can learn much by studying how Bible characters dealt with temptation. There is consolation in knowing others have been where you are. Remember, too, that Jesus was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
Second, “God . . . will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able.” God does not tempt us Himself (James 1:13-16), but He does allow Satan to do so. What God does is maintain control over the situation so that it does not get out of hand, a fact aptly illustrated in the story of Job (Job 1-2). There may be times when it seems as though you are facing too big a challenge, but rest assured you are not. As Matthew Henry expressed it, “Either our trials will be proportioned to our strength, or strength will be supplied in proportion to our temptations.” We can be victorious!
One implication of this fact is worth emphasizing: I am responsible for my sin. If temptation is not greater than I can bear, then sin is my choice. I did not have to do it.
Third, “. . . but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” What is the way of escape? Here are a few. Begin with avoidance when possible: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Stay out of circumstances in which Satan’s appeals are stronger. Associate with those who will be a positive, rather than a negative, influence. Jesus stored up Scripture in His heart and used it to combat temptation (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10; cf. Psalm 119:11). Prayer is another escape route. Sometimes you may need to do as Joseph did and literally run away from a situation (Genesis 39:12). God provides the way of escape; it is up to us to use it.
Our text was originally written to Christians who were overconfident about their spiritual strength. Let’s not make their mistake. Let’s go forward with due caution, balanced with trust in the Lord’s help and care.
