1 Corinthians 10:13

The following ideas about our trials are rejected by this verse:

·        “Nobody knows de trouble I see.” (I.e., “no one understands.”)

·        “I’ve had more than my share of troubles.”

·        “I just can’t take it anymore.”

·        “Nothing good can come out of this.”

·        “I’m all alone in this.”

What does this great verse teach us about temptation?

Ø The nature of temptation.  A temptation is a trial or test (all translate the same Greek term) when we have a right or wrong choice of action.  It is the situation where our faith is tested (Jam. 1:3; 1 Pet. 1:7).  God seeks to prove our faith (show it’s genuineness); Satan seeks to destroy our faith.

Ø The effect of temptation.  Overtaken simply means it comes upon us.  But trials can be very difficult.  Job sat for seven days with his friends before anyone spoke.  Jesus was in agony before the cross (John 11:33; Matt. 26:37).

Ø The commonality of temptation.  Our trials are not unique to us in either nature or effect.  The issues are ultimately the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.  These were the issues in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:1-6) and in Jesus’ temptations (Matt. 4:1-11).  In this way Christ was tempted in all points as we are.  He knows our pain (Heb. 4:15).  

Ø The assurance in temptation.  GOD IS FAITHFUL!  Apparently the Corinthians needed to hear this (1:8-9a).  A key passage for meditation on this is Lamentations 3:21-23 in a context of God’s faithfulness in Israel and Jeremiah’s darkest hour.  Only by trusting God wholly can God wholly sanctify us and preserve our whole spirit, soul and body blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 5:23-24).  Our need in trials is to commit our souls to God as unto a faithful Creator (1 Peter 4:19).  May it be so today!  When we do we will find what follows to be true.

Ø The limitation on temptation.  God will never permit a trial that requires failure.  He knows our frame (Ps. 103:14).  He will not require the righteous to put out their hand to do iniquity (Ps. 125:3).

Ø The promise for temptation.  God will make a way of escape, either from the trial or by giving endurance to joyfully persevere through the trial.

Ø The goal of temptation.  The goal is that we might bear it.  Note: the goal is not freedom from trials.  That may not happen.  Our trial might even result in death.  But the goal is to be faithful as God is faithful (Job 23:10; Jas. 1:12).

God is faithful!  May we be faithful and say with Paul: I have fought the good fight.  I have finished the race.  I have kept the faith.  (2 Tim. 4:7)