July 7, 2020

Good Morning Fellow Travelers,

Read: 1 Peter 1:6-8

“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations…” (2Pe 2:9)

Today we would like to look at temptation from a positive perspective. Let’s look at the promises in I Corinthians 10:13, “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.”

We must remember that God never tempts any man or woman to sin. In His wisdom, He may allow us to be tempted to make us stronger or more humble, but it is certainly not because He wants us to fall into sin. Let’s take a closer look at the encouraging promises in I Corinthians 10:13.

1. You are not alone in the temptations you face. Your temptations are common to all men and women. Many times the devil uses this lie to get us to fall: “The temptations you face are worse than the temptations anyone else faces.” If we believe this lie, our resolve to be faithful is weakened. The devil is a master liar. The truth is that the temptations you face are no different than what everyone else is facing, has faced, or will face.

2. God will never allow a temptation to come your way unless He has first examined it. If you face a temptation, God has decided that you will be able to overcome it. You will never face a temptation above your spiritual ability to overcome. Claim this promise when you are faced with a temptation. Our heavenly Father delights in seeing His children live in victory.

3. There is always an escape route offered. This is a profound promise. Since you have a way of escape, you can never give a valid excuse for your failure. Will you resist or will you buckle under the pressure of temptation? Jesus has provided a way to victory. He says to us today, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” You have the power to overcome the world with Jesus in you.

~ James Baer