No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
New International Version (NIV)
"God will not give us more than we can bear . . ." Have you heard that? Where is that thought in the scriptures? Paul writes to the believers in Corinth to remind them of God's great faithfulness in times of temptation. God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
What is our part when temptation seems irresistible? Social scientists are studying what happens in our brains when we are tempted. An article in Christianity Today offers us hope. When we are tired, or have been stressed, we are more susceptible to sin. When we rest, we recharge our ability to say "no" to sin. In this way, our willpower is a muscle which can be trained. Studies also showed that Christians who attend church more often have more strength to resist temptation.
Best of all Paul reminds us that we are not alone in our struggle against sin. Our faithful God knows our limits and he is actively working to lead us to a place of obedience. We can look back at failures and see that God offered a way out. Ask God to show you the way out of temptation. And when he provides it, take the exit. Joseph ran from sexual temptation. Paul says in this same letter, "Flee from immorality." Here in v. 14 he says, "Flee from idolatry." Paul knew that self-control is a gift from God which we can develop if we choose to. What will we choose?
Pray with me:
Father, lead us not into temptation. When it comes our way, give us the grace to choose obedience instead of disobedience. Show us the right way and help us to walk in it today we pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
I want to invite you to join me in memorizing 52 passages this year from the 2017 set of Fighter Verses. You can find the Fighter Verses App at the App Store on your phones or via this link http://fighterverses.com/the-verses/fighter-verses/. As we study the Bible this year, let's look at each text and learn what it says about God.
Joyfully,
Duane
Copyright 2017. All Rights Reserved.
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