1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
Temptation, is a constant this side of heaven. Satan, our Father’s adversary seems ever ready to bring temptation our way and his desire is simply to pull us away from trusting and believing and obeying our Heavenly Dad.
First, the temptations that come our way are not unique but infact as Paul tells us here, they are “common.” The enemy wants us to feel like we are all alone. Like no one else is going through what we’re going through. It’s in this place that he brings us to a vulnerable away from the pack mentality and it is from there that he can actually get us to move away from the pack and their He can pounce. Others, are facing similar temptations to you and Jesus as Hebrews 4:15 tells us was tempted in “all points.” You can run to Him while being tempted and He won’t belittle you because of your trial but let you know, “I TRULY UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH.”
The other TRUTH we must notice is “the way of escape” that God provides for us. Satan knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows human nature… and he has studied us for thousands of years. Needless to say, he knows what buttons to push and what cracks to pressure to get us to break. So, what hope do we have of overcoming temptation? Well, THE TRUTH IS THAT THOUGH SATAN MAY KNOW US BETTER THAN WE KNOW OURSELVES, GOD KNOWS US EVEN BETTER. He knows what we need and as Peter said, “He knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation.” 2 Peter 2:9
Temptation gets its power by persuading me to believe that I will be more happy if I follow it. The power of all temptation is the prospect that it will make me happier. Victory begins to come when we realize the TRUTH, that God is telling us the truth. Sin which temptation leads us too, doesn’t make us happier but leaves us more lifeless and discouraged than even before.
The Great Wall of China is a gigantic structure which cost an immense amount of money and labor. When it was finished, it appeared impregnable. But the enemy breached it. Not by breaking it down or going around it. They did it by bribing the gatekeepers.
May God lead you not into temptation.
By His Spirit,
Pastor Bill