13 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
What are some takeaways about temptations in the Christian’s life that we can glean from Scripture? There are several principles regarding the subject that can be taken from today’s text.
First, temptations will happen in our lives. We may not know when, how, or by whom they will occur. What we do know is that temptations will occur.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man” Temptation (πειρασμὸς; peirasmos) within the context refers to a solicitation unto evil. It is a trial designed to make an individual stumble in their walk of faith (Luke 4:13; Acts 15:26).
The word overtaken (λαμβάνω; lambano) means to take hold of. Within the grammatical context, it refers to a temptation that has taken hold of your life in the past and continues in the present. It may be either the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the boastful pride of life (I John 2:15-17).
Second, temptations are commonplace (ἀνθρώπινος; anthropinos). They happened to people in the past, they do happen in the present, and they will happen in the future. The temptations our ancestors faced are the evil solicitations we face and our children and grandchildren will face (Rom. 6:19; 1 Cor. 2:13; 4:3; 10:13; James 3:7; 1 Peter 2:13+; 1Tim. 1:15). All believers in Christ face the temptation to compromise and commit sinful disobedience.
“Every difficult circumstance that enters a believer’s life can either strengthen him if he obeys God and remains confident in his care, or become a solicitation to evil if the believer chooses instead to doubt God and disobey his word,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
What kinds of temptations are common in your life? What evil solicitation, either from the fallen world, your own remaining sinful nature, or the devil, trips you up the most in your walk of faith in Christ?
When we pray to the Lord, we not only are to adore Him, thank Him and bring our requests to Him. Believers in Christ are also to confess sin unto Him (I John 1:9). While temptations are not sinful, they become so when we succumb to the solicitation. Therefore, when you are tempted to sin, take that moment to place that temptation into a conversation with God. Use that temptation to energize your prayer time with God, and your intercession for others.
Whatever temptation you may be facing, know that other faithful believers in Christ have faced the same struggle you are encountering. Ask God to give you the strength to resist the devil (James 4:7), to no longer conform to the fallen world system (Rom. 12:1-2), and to put sin to death in your life (Col. 3:5).
I am praying for you. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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