We’re looking at God’s activity in securing our hope in January. What is the work deity on our behalf in the present? We are not alone as we journey to heaven. One way we know this is how God helps us through temptation. The battle with temptation can feel constant and overwhelming. Sometimes, we wonder if victory is even possible. Satan is real. He is cunning. Our flesh is weak. We let our guard down. So how do we get through? What does 1 Corinthians 10.13 teach us?
I. How Temptation Works
A. 1 Corinthians 10.13: Temptation will
. Overtake you or dominate you. B. Defining
: “a test.”
- “An examination, with an express purpose of producing (or proving) a fault in the examinee;” “an inward solicitation resulting from an outward test.”
C. James 1.12: Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1.13: No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone.
God may bring a test, but He does not bring the temptation.
1 Peter 5.10: The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish,
, and support you after you have suffered a little while. D. With tests come moments of temptation: James 1.14: But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire.
- James 1.16-17: God only brings that which is good.
II. The Nature of Temptation
A. 1 Corinthians 10.13: No temptation has come upon you except what is common to
. B. Jesus experienced this. Hebrews 2.17a, 18: …he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, …For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
III. The Extent of Testing
A. 1 Corinthians 10.13: God is
; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, B. God knows you personally. No test that you can’t handle will come upon you.
IV. The Way Out
A. 1 Corinthians 10.13: but with the temptation he will also provide the
….
God will always provide the way out. The way out is through.
The test comes…How will you choose to respond?
B. 10.13: that you may be able to
it, i.e., “to get under something & carry it.”
- The way out is not always quick & easy. The way out is through it.
**IV. As We Close… **What tests are you currently facing? How have/are you responding? Will you:
A. Turn to the Word, Psalm 119.111.
B. Pray, Matthew 6.13.
C. Grab Up Your Shield, Ephesians 6.16.
D. Focus on Christ, Hebrews 4.15.
E. Allow the Spirit to guide you, Galatians 5.16.
F. Through your salvation and ongoing sanctification, God has made it so that sin no longer has dominion over you. How much are you trusting Him?