Therefore, the person who thinks he is standing securely should watch out that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is unusual for human beings. But God is faithful, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. Instead, along with the temptation he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Therefore – whenever you see a “therefore” you must ask what it’s there for. Clearly this connects these verses to the ones that went before it. Paul is saying these examples are for us to learn from. They apply to anyone. He has taken them from Israel’s experience and they certainly apply to the Corinthians. But no one is immune. Temptation will come to us all. Expect it and be prepared. The danger is when you think “it won’t happen to me”. Or worse yet “I won’t sin, I am too strong for that”. When we regard ourselves as secure then we begin to rely on our own strength and that is fatal. Anyone of us can fall into sin, idolatry, or any other form of iniquity.
We learn from these examples:
- (1) Confidence in our own security is a sure sign that we are far from safe.
- (2) Such confidence may be one of the strongest evidences that we are in danger.
Those who are most safe are those who feel they are weak and feeble and who know and understand how desperately they need divine help and strength. They then rely on Christ and are secure. The adversary wants to draw our thoughts away from God, and to lead us into sin. Then we will be less likely to be on our guard, and more likely to feel we are strong and don’t to exercise caution. The highest saint under heaven can’t stand unless he or she depends upon God and continues in the obedience of faith. (S)He that ceases to do so will fall into sin, and become hard of heart: and may continue in this state till God come to take their life.
In the next verse (1 Cor 10:13) Paul makes it clear there is no temptation that is unique to you. Many of us may feel we are more oppressed, more sinful, worse than anyone else. It is not true. Satan uses the same tricks on everyone. There is no temptation on earth that has not been experienced before. While we may not be faithful, GOD IS FAITHFUL and knows the limit of your ability to withstand temptation. Do you know the sad thing? The sad thing is that we don’t. Even when we had the resources and the ability to withstand and hold out against temptation we cave in. Imagine how disappointed God is. I can imagine Him saying “Ian you can still hold out against the temptation but you gave up”. If people fall into sin, under the power of temptation, they only are to blame. They have strength to resist all the temptations that assail them, and God has given the assurance that no temptation shall occur which they shall not be able, by His aid, to resist. In all instances, therefore, where people fall into sin; in all the yielding to passion, man is to blame, and must be responsible to God. And this is especially true of Christians, who, whatever may be said of others, cannot plead that there was not power sufficient to meet the temptation, or to turn aside its power.
To be led into temptation is distinct from running into it, which would be “tempting God” (1Co_10:9). There is a big difference between experiencing temptation and going looking for it!
The way of escape: is case specific and the appropriateness changes for each particular temptation. It is not necessarily an immediate escape, but one in due time, (after patience has had her perfect work – James 1:2-4, James 1:12. ) He “makes” the way of escape simultaneously with the temptation which He arranges for His people at the right time. It is in the in-between area when we give up and cave in to the temptation. The sense of the Greek is “to bear up under it,” or “against it.” The idea is not that He will take the temptation away but rather will give you the means to be victorious under the pressure of temptation. It is that realisation that enables you to gain victory. Having gained it once, you are in the position of gaining it many more times. You’re on the way to victory. You now understand the principle. don’t cave in too soon. Of course the flesh is eager to give up and get what it wants. Don’t let it. To return to another of Paul’s analogies, hold your body in a wrestling hold and don’t let it up.
Don’t let Satan fool you, temptation isn’t sin.
Ian Vail
There isn’t a person anywhere who isn’t capable of doing more than he thinks he can.
Henry Ford
You’ll never have self-control until you learn how to wait. Patience is mature faith.
Rick Warren
My relationship with God is only as deep as my relationship to His Word.
Robb Thompson