When Facing Temptation

“Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.’ Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 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 10:6-13

At times, doesn’t it seem so easy to do wrong and so hard to do right? Temptation lures us and we rush to enjoy its enticing pleasure. Satan’s snares are attractively adorned and seem so appealing. Yet God says He will deliver us from evil, keep us from succumbing to temptation, and guard us from capitulating to our lusts.

That seems easier said than done at first glance; but if we hold strong to this truth, we can defuse much of the tempter’s weaponry. We have been crucified with Christ; we can reckon ourselves dead to sin and obey God despite strong emotions to do otherwise. That is not just theology. It is supernatural truth that will bring victory over temptation. At the cross, your old man controlled by sin was crucified. When you received Christ, you became a new man, a new creation in Christ.

Although you still have the inclination to sin, you are not under its power. Its hold has been broke, and Christ is now Lord of your life. By faith, you can count yourself dead to sin and temptation and reckon on God’s power to keep you. Ignore feelings. Refute lies. Reject false reasoning. You are a new person in Christ, and you can act like it by daily yielding yourself to the Savior. Hang on to this truth. God will keep you.

“...but with the temptation [God] will provide the way of escape...” 1 Cor. 10:13