The Way Out

Today’s Verse:

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. ~1 Corinthians 10:13

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In the Australian bush country grows a little plant called the “sundew.” It has a slender stem and tiny, round leaves that are fringed with hairs that glisten with bright drops of liquid as delicate as fine dew. Woe to the insect, however, that dares to dance on it. Although its attractive clusters of red, white, and pink blossoms are harmless, the leaves are deadly. The shiny moisture on each leaf is sticky and will imprison any bug that touches it. As an insect struggles to free itself, the vibration causes the leaves to close tightly around it. This innocent-looking plant then feeds on its victim. [Our Daily Bread; December 11, 1992]

This illustration is a vivid picture of what happens when temptation leads to our downfall. Everyone is subject to temptation. Temptation is the enticement towards an action or activity that will result in sin. Our passage this morning is an encouragement to us on how to escape temptation.

There is the source of temptation.

Temptation does not come from God. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” Temptation comes from Satan, the flesh, or the world working on our desires and cravings. The more we think about and consider the temptation, the stronger the pull is to fulfill that illicit desire. Unrestrained appetites are easy sources for temptation to succeed against us.

There is the seduction in temptation.

Temptation is a conniving trickster. When temptation comes, our thought process is only focused on the temporary fulfillment that we can achieve. We do not consider the ramifications of our action on us and on those around us. A temptation always looks better than it really is. We are seduced into thinking that no one will see us, no one will know that we did it, and we can get away with what we do.

There is the sin from temptation.

Once we cross that forbidden line, sin occurs. Temptation seeks to lead us astray and away from God’s will. The goal in temptation is that we succumb and sin. When sin occurs, we have allowed ourselves to fall into a downward spiral that can lead to death.

There is the success over temptation.

There is good news! God is faithful and will make a way for us to escape. God never allows us to be tempted with more than what we can handle. When we turn to God for help, He enables us to bear with the temptation. He gives us the endurance to withstand. Temptations that come our way are only as difficult to withstand as God allows for us. The great escape is when we stand against it and have faith in God’s power.

In 1346, during the Hundred Years’ War, the English army of King Edward III met a French battalion at Crecy, France. The King’s son, Prince Edward, led one vital division of the British force while Edward III stood nearby with a strong band of soldiers, ready to send relief if needed. Soon after the battle had started, the prince thought that he was in danger, so he sent for help. But the king didn’t come. Young Edward sent another message, pleading for immediate assistance. His father responded by telling the courier, “Go tell my son that I am not so inexperienced a commander as not to know when help is needed, nor so careless a father as not to send it.”

God allows us to be tempted but never beyond our spiritual capacity. Don’t allow temptation to get the best of you! Take a stand, and be strong in the Lord against all temptations!

Have a strengthened God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Deuteronomy 8-10

#1Corinthians #Temptation