1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand under it.”
“No temptation” = some versions of the Bible translate and use the word “test,” and others use the word “temptations.” In every test that God allows, there is always the possibility that we may allow it to become a temptation to sin. We are still held responsible for how we react and respond.
Temptations are a file which rubs off much of the rust of our self-confidence. – François Fenelon.
In the preceding verses of 1 Cor. 10:13, Paul was talking about sins of sexual immorality and grumbling. Oh, we know that immoral living is wrong, but what about the temptation of grumbling? That doesn’t seem to get a lot of publicity as being a sin as such does it?
When I complain – grumble – I forget God’s blessings and past answers to prayer at the moment. I am short-sighted and am only concentrating on the present.
Why do we live in a fantasy world and have unrealistic expectations that life should be easy come, easy go? That we should have little difficulties? This is common and inevitable. After all, we feel we are entitled, don’t we?
Sometimes the importance of being right becomes our golden calf – our idol. Then we give into the temptation of feeling superior. We think we should be happy all the time. The feeling of pleasure has a narcotic effect. It takes our minds off of ourselves and our conflict.
Jay Adams has said: “Viewed from one perspective, a problem is a test which, if solved biblically, strengthens and helps one grow in grace (cf. James 1:2, 3, 4). Looked at from a different perspective, the same problem may be used by Satan as a temptation for sin.”
How can we recognize temptations in our trials?
- Stop focusing on the problem and look up and seek God’s guidance.
- Recognize the people and situations that give you trouble.
- Choose to do what is right no matter what. Don’t give in to feelings of animosity and bitterness.
- Despair often opens the door to sin. Guard against that.
- Run away – fleeing from sinful situations is not cowardly. 1 Tim. 2:22.
- Compartmentalize your problems. Deal with them one at a time as you trust God to provide in each one, one at a time. Jehovah Jireh – God will provide. Jehovah Nissi – battle fighter.
One thing that God does promise when we are tempted is that He will provide the exit door – the way out. How can we know that?
- Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
- Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
- Psalm 25:14: “The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.”
- Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
God is faithful to His Word and His compassionate nature. He sends tests but not temptations.
1 Corinthians 10:13 MSG: “All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.”
Questions
- How has your character been tested when undergoing a trial?
- Watch how you respond to tests. Think back over this past week. How would you rate yourself in not giving into any temptation to sin during recent times of hardships and disappointments? Has the testing of your faith produced endurance and spiritual maturity this time?
My prayer today is an excerpt from one of the Puritan Prayers from the book, “The Valley of Vision. A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions:”
“And may I prize the gain of a little holiness as overbalancing all my losses . . . . My great evil is that I do not remember the sins of my youth, nay, the sins of one day I forget the next. Keep me from all things that turn to unbelief or lack of felt union with Christ.”
Listen to Casting Crowns YouTube song “For All You Are,” Lyric Video.