"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE, FOR THOSE BEING TEMPTED"

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE, FOR THOSE BEING TEMPTED"

1Cor 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

A few explanatory thoughts:

1. What you are going through is not uncommon. In fact, it's common to men. ( No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man ) The idea here is pretty clear, common, means, "after the manner of men", or "things belonging to men" it's what we go through living in this world. Or, as the NLT puts it, "The temptations that come into your life are no different then from what others experience"

2. But, God is faithful, and promises, that He willl not allow you to be tempted, or tried beyond what you are able to bear. In other words, He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. Now, that's a real comfort. He is keeping watch over you. He knows what you can take, and what you can't take. He will always take care to watch over you.

3. Here's another blessing and comforting truth. God will also, always make a way of escape, ( not from the temptation ) but, so that you can bear it. He does not always take you out of it, but will always show you how to bear it. Or as the NLT says, " He will show you a way out, so you will not give in to it" We can count on Him to do so.

4. One last quick thing. 1 Cor 10:13 says, "God is faithful" What does that mean? It's speaking of His nature, He is dependable. Constant. Unchanging, trustworthy, always will do as He says He will do. You can bank on Him. He can be trusted all the time.

A brief prayer:

Lord, Thank You for always keeping an eye on us. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for guarding our lives. Thank You for being faithful. And, thank You for your faithful provision, that will always allow us and show us a way to bear the temptation. To not have to give in to it. Who could do these things but You. Lastly, Lord, we pray that You would also give us grace, and the personal resolve to always take the way of escape that You show us. Why would we want to be ill affected by the temptation, ( because, that is what it would do ) Keep us from it Lord, and show us the way of escape.

In Jesus name. Amen

Pastor Bob Grenier