“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.” (1 Cor 10:13 ESV)
None of us are exempt from temptation. Some are tempted to over eat. Some struggle with spending their money foolishly. Others must fight the temptation to be lazy. The list of temptations that human beings face is seemingly endless. I Cor. 10:13 is only one verse but it speaks volumes to us about temptation.
Temptation is Confrontational
We see this in the phrase “no temptation has overtaken you.” The idea that is being communicated here is that temptation will seek to get ahold of you, to seize you. You will not have to looking for it, it will come looking for you. Realizing this should cause us to live a guarded life. This is why Peter wrote, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Pet 5:8 KJV)
Temptation is Common
We see this in the phrase, “that is not common to man” There is no temptation that we face that is unique to us. We are not exceptionally sinful, because we face certain temptations. We may not all face the same temptations, but you can rest assured that whatever temptations you are facing, are also faced by others. The temptations that you are facing have been overcome by others through the grace of God. This gives us hope.
Temptation is Controlled
“God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability,” He is present in all of our temptations. He is ultimately in control of all of our temptations. He allows them, and He limits them so that they will never be so compelling that we must give in to them.
Temptation is Conquerable
“but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” Every temptation comes with a way to escape. We know this because God is faithful. He is trustworthy! When we give in to temptation it is because we do not believe in that moment that God is faithful to provide a way of escape. We listen to the lies of the devil, instead of believing the truth of God. What is the way of escape? I believe that James speaks to this: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 ESV)
Every day of our lives we will face some kind of temptation. But as we submit to the Lord, and resist Satan, God will lead us to the path of victory for His glory and our good.
