escaping and enduring

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 Corinthians 10:13

I have read this verse, memorized it as a child, and shared it constantly in discipleship contexts and pastoral care. But I’ve never journaled it before. It contains five powerful truths that help Christians not just survive sinful temptations, but defeat them if we will cling to these truths and apply them when we are tempted… which is daily.

1. Temptation is common. Although what I may feel in temptation is uniquely personal, the reality of temptation is common to all people because all of us are born sinners. That means that I am not alone. It hints at shared strength that is available in the community of believers… things like confession of my sins and temptations to other believers and accountability with saints to fight against this experience that all people have. I am never tempted with something novel. In context, Paul argues that Old Testament examples of failure… sexual temptations and idolatrous practices among them… help present day believers engage the enemy. Scripture shows us temptation’s commonality, and shows us how God judges AND how God can deliver.

2. God is faithful. I am never tempted outside God’s view or His provision. He is right here, faithfully with me, even as a temptation wants to pull my focus from Him. And He will ALWAYS stay here beside me to help me fight and win.

3. Temptation has limits. God has set those limits and because He is present, powerful, and faithful, no temptation is TOO powerful. When I succumb to a temptation it is because either I forget this reality or a choose to disbelieve God is faithful and has set a limit to what can attack me.

4. God provides escape. This is how God is faithful. This is where temptation finds a firm limit. If I cry out to God, open His Word, lean into His community, believe His power, then escape is right there… every time I am tempted.

5. Every temptation can be endured. When I trust God, find Him faithful, see the common nature of my temptations, and find escape in a situation that is limited because God is infinite, God will lead me to endure it. This is growth. Temptation is regular, but so is deliverance! This is holiness at work in me, making me more like Jesus Who defeated the devil, defied temptations, and reigns in power over all the devil’s works, transforming this world to align with His kingdom!