1st Corinthians 10: 13 20/9/2010.
“ No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man: God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to, but with temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
First of all , let us know what temptation is?
Temptation (noun) or enticement means an attraction towards evil things or sinful things. But in this context, it is more appropriate to understand the word as ‘test’ or ‘trial’.
What does temptation do in lives?
It overtakes us; it takes us into its control. Once we succumbed to it, we will become slaves to it. It is sort of a circle that we cannot come out easily.
Life is full of temptations. ‘Temptation’ is not only linked with ‘seduction’ (which is common nowadays) but also means various things.
For ex: you are tempted to be angry, you are tempted to feel like taking revenge, you are tempted to feel jealousy etc.
Now, where does ‘temptation’ come from?
First of all, God is neither the author of evil nor temptation. (James 1: 13)
Our heart is the ultimate source of temptation (Jeremiah 17:9, Mark 7: 21)
So we are ultimately responsible when we are tempted, it is our fault; the problem lies within us not with God.
Ex: If we were to assume our heart a television & some ‘temptation’ the remote control, the TV would get switched on immediately when we switch on the ‘remote’. There is an undeniable connection lies in here. It’s not that all that is in this world is bad but it all depends on how we look at things; our ‘point of view’. Sadly, the fact is most of the time, the way we view things in things in things in this world tarnished with sin inside our hearts.
James says ‘temptation’ will turn into ‘sin’ and ‘sin’ will eventually bring forth ‘death’. (James 1:15, Rom 6: 23).
What about tests or trials?
In this context, ‘temptation’ can also mean ‘test and trials’ and that God will not send trials beyond our capacity.
Trials are meant to grow in God spiritually. Suffering is necessary in Christian’s life but it should be God-given not self-inflicted. (James 1: 12)
What is God’s promise?
God will neither tempt us nor will send trials which are beyond our capacity. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
He provides the way to escape.
There is a crown of life for one who endures trials and temptations. (James 1:12)
What is our duty?
We must resist ‘temptation’ and endure ‘trails’.
Let us not be overconfident but may ‘confidence’ in Christ grow day by day.
Let us beware that life is not without temptations or trials.
