1 Corinthians 10:1-33

Temptation

We are reminded once again that chapter and verse divisions were not part of the original texts. Here we are in chapter ten and Paul, after several detours, is wrapping up the discussion of eating meat sacrificed to idols that started in chapter eight. 

Paul starts the chapter by making the point that just because you belong to a certain group or have had certain experiences with God doesn’t mean that you can’t mess up. Those who followed Moses belonged to a very select group and they had incredible spiritual experiences; yet, they messed up big time on many occasions. 

It is also interesting to note the list of trespasses that brought death: idolatry, sexual immorality, testing the Lord, and...oh, yes, grumbling. 

But verses 12-13 have always caught my attention because they contain four key facts about temptation. And since temptation is something which faces us all these might some important facts to know.

1. When you think you are standing firm is when you are most likely to fall. Those who know they aren’t very strong are on guard more than those who think they “are past it”. We are never “past it”.

1. No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. The enemy would like to cover us with shame and isolate us into thinking that we are the only ones who have this particular problem. Wrong. You may be weaker in some areas than others but know that there are millions of others who fight the same fight.

1. You will not be tempted beyond what you can bear. It is not possible for temptation to be irresistible. The Holy Spirit is in you and He is greater than the world. No matter how often you have fallen this will not always be the case and it doesn’t have to be the case ever again.

1. In every temptation there is a way of escape. Look for it. It isn’t hard to find. Often it is as simple as walking out a door or turning off the TV or the computer. There is always a way of escape. Find it and use it.

And there you have the Four Rules of Temptation.