How Can I Escape Temptation?

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 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 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."

 Paul realizes with all of his counsel on avoiding sexual immorality and other sins that the Corinthians will not be immune to temptation.  So he warns them not to be overconfident in pride regarding their natural abilities.  It is when you think you are not susceptible to temptation that you are ready for a fall.  This is a great verse to remember when you are being tempted to stray from God's clear commands.  Paul gives us a threefold prescription for withstanding temptation.

 1. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  When you are being tempted it is not the first time anybody has been tempted with what you are.  You are not alone, it has happened before.  It is not unique to you.  

 2. God is faithful.  Though some temptation will seem tremendously hard to resist, there will never be a temptation that we "have" to give in to.  There is no temptation with God's help and faithfulness that you will not be able to endure.  Sometimes in the moment we think there is no way I can withstand this temptation, but that is simply not true.  

 3. God will provide a way out!  When we are tempted God provides a "way out", or an "escape hatch".  Meaning when we are tempted there will always be a way to flee temptation.  Sometimes it might be just leaving a situation.  Maybe it will be making a phone call, or reaching out to someone.  Sometimes God will serendipitously provide a way out of a compromising situation.  The main thing is we can never say "the devil made me do it!" 

 Though temptation is real and challenging, God has given us free will and a choice to not sin.  Sin is always a willful decision to not trust God.  Fortunately God knew we were prone to sin and would give in to sin, so he sent His Son to forgive us of all of our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  But this does not give us a license to sin.  It should free us to want to serve God and trust him more and more. When we are tempted that He will provide the way out and we will be full of joy when we overcome temptation in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

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