February 25, 2008 1 Corinthians 10:13

02/25/2008

1 Corinthians 10:13 (HCSB)

¹³No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.

Have you ever wondered why temptations come? Do you sometimes wonder if God tempts us? Can any good come from temptation?

Consider an Olympian athlete. Anyone wanting to compete in the Olympics does not wake up the morning of the event, decide to compete and then participate in the even expecting to win. Why is that? Because it takes training.

I lifted weights in my younger days. I found that I could not bench-press 225 pounds the first day. In fact, it took a long time for me to work up to it. But what I did was start with 50 pounds which I knew I could easily lift. Then I added 10 pounds, then ten more. But with each step, I would make sure that I could manage the existing weight before I stepped up to the next level.

In the same way that we train our bodies for endurance, strength, and agility, we should train our spirit to withstand temptation, to do the right things, and stand firm in our faith. I am convinced that God does not tempt us, yet He allows us to be tempted. And as the verse above tells us, He will never allow any temptation that we are unable to bear.

The apostle Paul wrote the words above but he also included this analogy:

1 Corinthians 9:24 - 27 (HCSB)

²⁴Do you not know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. ²⁵Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. ²⁶Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly, or box like one who beats the air. ²⁷Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

Paul also stressed that we need to exercise our faith to make it stronger. This provides a couple of benefits; as we grow stronger, we grow closer to God, and as we are more able to stand against sin, we become more like Him.

So do not become discouraged that you encounter temptation, rather look on each temptation as another opportunity to strengthen your faith, and another opportunity to defeat Satan.

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