Provision for Temptation
- Laurie Williams
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
"No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy]" (I Cor 10:13, Amp).
Let's look at some common synonyms for temptation: enticement, allurement, trial, test, seduction, or bait...
According to the Bible, temptation is an enticement or lure to disobey God’s will, often stemming from personal desires, the flesh, the world (1 John 2:15), or the devil (1Pet. 5:8), rather than God Himself (James 1:13-14). While temptation is not a sin, yielding to it brings sin and death; it serves as a test of faith and loyalty, with the purpose of revealing one's character and promoting spiritual maturity. Further research into the Bible, we can see many examples of individuals being tempted and the outcomes of their choices: Adam and Eve (Gen. 3), Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5), David and Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11), and don't forget even Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4: 1-13). There are many more examples recorded in the Bible.
Temptation presents itself when we are most weak or vulnerable. As long as we are physically alive in this world, we will be tempted just as Jesus was, but He did not sin, and we don't have to sin either. I have always thought that if the enemy is so brazen as to tempt Jesus Christ, then why would I think I could avoid temptation? Temptation is an enticement to live independently of God. What Jesus modeled was a life dependent up on the heavenly Father. "I can do nothing on My own initiative" (John 5:30). "I live because of the Father" (John 6:57). While temptation is an enticement to participate in something evil, the same term can refer to a "test" or trial permitted by God to strengthen faith. God does not tempt anyone with evil, but He allows tests to prove and refine us. He wants to know if He can trust us! Can God trust us in the little things as well as the bigger things?
Temptation is part of our every day lives. We are tempted or enticed in a variety of ways and it will always be in areas that we are most vulnerable. Pay close attention to where your weakness lie; and then make sure you are 'armored up" (Eph. 6: 10-18). When tempted, the Scripture says that He will provide a way of escape. But we must stay attentive and not overlook His way of escape, choosing instead to give in to temptation simply because it seems appealing in the moment.
Believe that with Jesus at your side you can overcome temptation.
"All things are possible for the one who believes and trusts [in Me]” (Mark 9:23). Where He guides, He provides!
Every temptation comes with a choice to live by the Spirit or to walk by the flesh. The consequences of that choice are either the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), or the deeds of the flesh (Gal. 5:24-25). Choices are much easier to make when you believe that "God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory" (Phil. 4:19).
Start your day with the Lord in prayer and in His Word so you will be prepared to overcome the temptations that lie ahead of you for today. Remember, He has gone before you and prepared an escape route for the temptations along your path (I Cor. 10:13).
Father, as we face the day we know there will be obstacles and temptations before us. But Father, we know that You are always near and ready to provide a way of escape for us. May we be so focused on You that we do not overlook Your provision and give in to any temptation that would cause us to stumble away from Your presence. We love and honor You. Thank You for Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross that led us to You. In His name we pray, Amen.
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