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1 Corinthians 10:13 - Temptation Comes with Limits and a Way of Escape.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) 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.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

INTRODUCTION

In a culture filled with moral depravity and sin-inducing pressures, Paul encouraged the Corinthians regarding temptation. He said that (1) everyone faces temptation, so don't feel like you've been singled out; (2) others have resisted temptation, and so can you; and (3) any temptation can be resisted, because God will show you a way to resist it. God will help you resist temptation by helping you (1) recognize the people and situations that give you trouble, (2) run from anything you know is wrong, (3) choose to do only what is right, (4) pray for God's help, and (5) seek friends or church leaders who love God and can offer help when you are tempted. Running from a tempting situation is your first step on the way to victory (see 2 Timothy 2:22). [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY

Submission to God's Will
   An Amazing Fact: In April 2003, Aron Ralston had a serious accident while hiking alone in Canyonlands National Park in Utah. His right arm became pinned by an 800-pound boulder that had become dislodged. After being trapped for six days, he performed a partial amputation of his arm with a multi-purpose tool to save himself. He then climbed out of the canyon, repelled down a 65-foot wall, and began an eight-mile hike to safety before he was found.
   Mr. Ralston's story is surely incredible - they even made a Hollywood film about it - but there are many other awesome stories of human survival against all odds. These stories demonstrate the amazing drive that people have to survive.
   Satan knows about this drive. In the second chapter of Job, he challenges God to test his servant, claiming that "all that a man has he will give for his life" (Job 2:4). Satan was sure that Job would curse God if his life and health were threatened. To demonstrate Job's loyalty, God permits this test, demanding only that Satan "spare his life" (Job 2:6).
   This heavenly controversy shows us a lot about what occurs in the spiritual realm beyond our sight. It demonstrates, for one, that bad things that occur on Earth are not caused by God but are permitted by Him. While that can be difficult to understand in the midst of calamity, we must remember that God never permitted anything to happen to Job that was beyond Job's ability to handle. Neither were Job's trials arbitrary. A heavenly purpose was served, and countless people have benefited from the written account of Job's ordeal since that time.
   When calamity strikes us, we should surrender to God's will. He is in control of all circumstances, so we are never alone in our trials. Our struggle will strengthen our faith, and that of others too. [Moving Mountains by Amazing Facts]

COMMENTARY PEARLS

The only safeguard against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. It is because selfishness exists in our hearts that temptation has power over us. But when we behold the great love of God, selfishness appears to us in its hideous and repulsive character, and we desire to have it expelled from the soul. As the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ, our hearts are softened and subdued, the temptation loses its power, and the grace of Christ transforms the character. MB 118

All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.  As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength. DA 668

In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our Heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme, will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet.  DA 330

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

1 Corinthians 10:13 - Temptation Comes with Limits and a Way of Escape.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250103-1352.html
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230615-0856.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200727-1143.html

2 Timothy 2:22 - Flee Temptation to Jesus!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200527-0849.html

James 1:12 - Blessed Are Those Who Persevere Under Temptation and Trials.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220203-0813.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/