WHAT PAUL TEACHES
US ABOUT
TEMPTATION
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 10:13
Introduction:
• Since all of us have sinned and sin is the
result of temptation, then all of us are
tempted.
• Even Jesus, though He never sinned,
was also tempted in all points as we
are.
• Thus, the Bible definitely teaches that
we can face our temptations and
overcome them if we truly love God.
We can bear our temptations
• ASV: “There hath no temptation taken
you but such as man can bear”
• This simply means that no temptation
is so unique, so powerful, that we
can’t overcome it: Jas. 1:12
• The example of Jesus shows us this:
Heb. 2:17-18, 4:15
We can bear our temptations
• However, dealing with temptation
isn’t about us alone but about looking
to God for strength: Eph. 6:10-11.
• When we approach temptation with
the attitude, “I’m only human,” or “I
can’t help myself,” then we’re
defeated before we even get started.
God is faithful.
• Paul says that “God is faithful, who will not
allow you to be tempted beyond what you
are able”—in other words, God has made
us a promise regarding temptation, and
God is always faithful to keep His
promises.
• This God to whom we look for strength is
the God of our salvation who doesn’t want
anyone to perish in sin: 2 Pet. 3:9
God is faithful.
• But God’s faithfulness must be met by trust
and obedience on our part: Tit. 1:2, 2:11-12
• Only by doing this can we benefit from
God’s faithfulness: Heb. 6:18-19.
• The temptations themselves may not be
removed, but Paul says that God “with the
temptation will also make the way of
escape”—and it can be found by those who
look for it.
God will provide the way of escape
• The example of Jesus gives us
courage in knowing that we can
resist the devil as He did: Matt. 4:111
• It also shows us the value of having a
knowledge of God’s word to help us
in temptation: Ps. 119:11
God will provide the way of escape
• And Jesus teaches us that prayer can be
a defense against the attacks of Satan:
Matt. 6:9, 13.
• If we seek spiritual maturity, wisdom,
and discernment as we walk life’s path,
God has promised that He will provide a
way of escape to help keep us from
falling into and yielding to temptation.
Our faith will enable us to bear it.
• Paul says that because God is faithful and will not
suffer or allow us to be tempted above or beyond
what we are able but will with the temptation
make a way of escape, our faith in God’s promises
and provisions will make it possible “that you
may be able to bear it”
• Thus, we must conclude that God has already
provided everything that we need to “bear it”:
Rom. 8:31-32
• Again, of course, we have to take advantage of
these provisions: Rom. 13:11-14
Our faith will enable us to bear it.
• But when we combine His faithfulness with
our faithfulness, the result is victory: 1 Jn.
5:3-4.
• True faith, that is characterized by love and
devotion to God and necessitates trusting in
Him, His faithfulness, and the instruction of
His word, will make it possible for us to
overcome the temptations of this world.
Conclusion:
• Because of what Paul says in this
verse, no one can truthfully say, “I
have to sin—I can’t help it.”
• But the fact is that we all do sin and
thus need forgiveness, yet God has
made provision for that too.
• The Blood of Jesus is that provision.