Our last tidbit on 1 Cor. 10:13 highlighted a power that restrains in every temptation. The passage also suggests that in temptation there is a providence that rescues. Here is the crucial section of the passage that suggests this: “.but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” This is really comforting. Do you understand what is being said here? Not only does God scale down the temptation that the devil sends your way but God also provides the escape route for you in every temptation.
Built into every situation or circumstance that the devil intends to use to trip/mess you up, is God’s way of overcoming that temptation. I know what may be going through your mind right now. Why then do I mess up? Why do I fall victim to temptation so often?
The truth is that our spiritual eyes and ears are not always as sensitive as they should be so we miss seeing the red lights that God flashes and we miss hearing the alarm bells as we approach spiritually dangerous situations and circumstances.
But let us be clear in our minds about the dynamics involved in temptation. It is not true that God leaves us boxed in with the devil and we have to sink or swim by ourselves. No way. Father’s power restrains or scales down the temptation and Father’s providence rescues; it provides the escape route for us every time.
Let me close this study with a companion passage on temptation which should alert you on some additional dynamics of temptation. The passage is James 1:13-15. It says, “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
So we learn from this supportive text that Father does not send temptation to us designed to make us flounder or fail. That’s the devil’s job and he finds occasion to tempt/entice us based on his knowledge of our areas of weakness. Be honest with yourself about your known weak areas and commit them to God in constant prayer. Never ever, pretend to be stronger than you really are and therefore tempt fate and mess up yourself. Practically, I would urge you to avoid every situation or circumstance that you know could possibly lead you to sin.
There is a power that restrains – Father has scaled down the temptation.
There is a providence that rescues – Father has built into every temptation that He allows your way, an escape route.
Reflect on James 1:2-4, from the Living Bible and determine “ I too will be an overcomer in 2022.”
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