Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers, “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” (I Corinthian 10:13). There are three clear takeaways embedded in this statement.
First, the invitation to sin is not unique. We often are tempted to think that our circumstances are different than anyone has ever had to face. Somehow our temptation is different, stronger, greater than anyone else has ever confronted. In such circumstances it is very understandable, even expected, if we give in to the temptation. But the Scriptures teach us that it simply isn’t so! No temptation exists that is not common to man. We are not alone in this matter. Therefore, don’t yield to temptation – do right!
Second, God never allows us to be tempted above our ability to overcome the temptation. Yet in the midst of temptation, we become convinced that the temptation is too great. We weaken what little resolve we have by reasoning that others would not find fault with us for giving in to so great temptation. We find it easier to believe a lie than to stand firm in the truth. But be assured that God’s mighty arm is behind every one of his promises.
Recall the occasion the Lord came upon a man with a withered hand in a synagogue on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:10-13). He simply spoke to the man “Stretch forth thy hand.” The Scripture goes on to say that “he stretched it forth and it was restored whole, like as the other.” The man could not move his hand at all. It simply hung limp at his side. Yet at Christ’s words he was able to lift it up and reach out. In like manner, that is, at his word, we overcome temptation!
Third, the Bible records that there is a way to escape. Every time that we are confronted with a temptation to do wrong, there is an avenue to do right. We may think we have no other alternative but to give in to sin. That is a lie. There always exists a path to follow that yields itself unto righteousness.
Christian, we are tempted to sin and our temptation is neither unique nor insurmountable. God has a path of righteousness for us to follow and his mighty strength provides the enabling. Don’t give in to sin, but do right. One voice from years gone by speaks to us, “Do right ‘til the stars fall!”
There may be those reading this who are dealing with not just the power of their sins, but the guilt of their sins as well. Christ has both broken sin’s power and paid sin’s price with his shed blood. He is the answer to all of sin’s problems. Come to him and find peace. The Bible tells us he “gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us from this present evil world” (Galatians 1:4).
From the Chaplain 