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1 Corinthians 10:12-13
“Therefore” as begins 1 Corinthians 10:12 is a sign/reminder to review why the “Therefore” is there for. The Apostle Paul has been teaching of the examples set by the Israelites as they wandered in the desert for forty years learning to be obedient to God, which they did not ever seem to obtain. They were rebellious and wandered from God in their sins over and over. But the Bible contains these lessons so that all who read/study about them may learn from them; that we may learn to not make the same mistakes.
In 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, with these lessons in mind, the Apostle Paul teaches that through all temptation, as temptation strikes at a person’s weaknesses, there is always a way out – a path/direction to go in that will free one from the temptation. He teaches that God will always provide a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). But Paul also teaches that one should alert to this as being overly confident will lead to a fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).
This is a promise that when temptation strikes, God will provide a way to escape it.
The Apostle Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV), “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.” This is great news! God will not allow you to be tempted beyond that which you are able to overcome! But it is through following Him and seeking His guidance that makes you able to overcome the temptation. The Bible teaches us in James 1:12-15, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” Temptation is being drawn away from God by our sinful nature that is the ways of the devil. God has made a way for us to escape the ways of the devil through Christ Jesus – by putting our faith and trust in Him – by seeking His plan and will for our lives as we give up our own desires to seek His better plan for our lives – in Christ!
Dear LORD,
We are all tempted every day. If we say that we are not, we have already been deceived by the devil and are not living in Your plan of salvation for our lives. Please help us to be aware that the devil will strike with temptation at every chance, but more so LORD, please remind us every time temptation shows its ugly face that You have, and You will provide a way of escape. That way is the truth and the life that is found only in and through calling on the name of Jesus as we put and keep our faith and trust in Him, our Savior, the Savior of the world, Jesus. In Jesus name I pray, amen.