Overcoming temptation is something everyone has to battle. No one on earth that has escaped temptation, even Jesus Christ. How we handle temptation makes all the difference. If we give in it can lead to addiction. Learning how to resist temptation can make all the difference. Paul gives us some clear guidelines on how to overcome temptation.
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Out of Captivity
Israel has a history of falling into temptation. Whether it be idol worship or sexual immorality they often dove in head first. This was all in the midst of God doing some pretty amazing miracles. God led them out of captivity, parted the Red Sea, led them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night, brought forth water from rocks, and provided manna every day. With all of this supernatural provision, they should be glued to God’s side worshipping him, unfortunately, they weren’t. They succumbed to temptation. Paul says it happened because they got to full of themselves.
Be On the Lookout
This is a danger we can fall into as well. Vs. 12 tells us to take heed, or be on the lookout, for our pride lest we fall. Pride is one of the common doors temptation enters through. When we start to think more of ourselves than we should we are susceptible to temptation. We need to stay humble. God is looking out for you. He is going to protect you from things beyond our ability and provide a way of escape when we are tempted. The question is whether we will trust and rely on Him? Every person on earth will be tempted. There isn’t a temptation that you are experiencing that Jesus or others haven’t gone through. When in those situations seek the Lord through prayer and find counsel and support from Godly mature saints who have already traveled that road.