“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).
It is inevitable that we will be tempted. However, we must remain faithful and not succumb to temptation. If we allow ourselves to fall, the ultimate result is spiritual death (James 1:14-15). So we must strive to overcome temptations whenever they come. The verse above provides three reminders that will help us do what is right when we are tempted to sin.
- We are not alone – There is no temptation that is not “common to man.” Whatever we may be facing, others have endured the same temptation. What is encouraging is that while others have faced the same temptation, not all have given in to it. We do not need to give in to it, either.
- We can overcome temptation – God “will not allow [us] to be tempted beyond what you are able.” Every temptation we face is one that we are able to overcome. Because this has been promised by God, we can have the assurance that whatever we face we can endure it.
- There is a way of escape – We will never encounter a situation in which no matter what we do, we sin. We always have the option of doing what is right. It may not always be easy to do, but the “way of escape” is always there.
Let us remember these truths about temptation and be encouraged that we can overcome temptation. We do not have to sin. We can do what is right. Let us strive to avoid sin and live faithfully for the Lord.
