Dear Disciple,
“These things happened to them [the Israelites in the wilderness] as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:11-13
As Paul wrote to the saints of the New Covenant, he appealed to them by reminding them about the story of the saints of the Old Covenant. The passage quoted above comes on the heels of Paul’s warning against idolatry and grumbling – the very things of which the Israelites in the wilderness were guilty. He wrote that we must take warning from the examples of those who have gone before us, learning from their mistakes, and standing firm in ways they did not.
I offer Paul’s words to you, Disciple, as a reminder that you are not alone in facing the temptations you do everyday, nor are you powerless to overcome them. You have even more than the saints of Old Covenant Israel had in the wilderness: you have the power and wisdom of the abiding Holy Spirit, the example and teachings of our Master Jesus, and a much longer history of examples (both good and bad) of those who have gone before. Where they fell short, we can be victorious, and where they experienced the just punishment of God for their sin, we can experience the joyful reward of God for obedience in the face of temptation.
In order to overcome temptations each and every day, Disciple, keep a humble spirit and acknowledge your own weaknesses. “Be careful that you do not fall!” This command makes it clear that we can indeed fall. This doesn’t mean we have to, but that we must be aware of our own vulnerability. It is in this spirit that we cry out to our Father, “Lead us not into temptation/testing, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13). As in all things, be humbly aware of your need for our Father’s faithful presence and kind help, and be expectant as you ask Him to provide it.
In this awareness of your own vulnerability, as well as God’s available power and wisdom, look for the way out that He provides. Paul was clear about this, Disciple: you do not have to fall to temptation because the Father will always provide a way out for you. As He makes it available, you must purposefully and diligently seek it. The way out may not always be obvious, but it will be there. You might have to simply flee from a situation like Joseph from Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:12), or you may have to speak the Word of truth to your Enemy and yourself, as our Master Jesus did (Matthew 4:4-10).
As strong as temptations can be, the power of Christ within you is stronger still. As powerful as the pull of desire and habit most certainly are, the love you have for God and your desire to please Him are even more powerful. Obey when it’s hard, and in this way you can show how sincere and faithful your love for the Lover of our souls truly is.
Overcoming temptation in His power,Ryan
