Reflections from August 11, 2010

Paul tells of things that Israel did to dishonor God and gives advice that is still very relevant today when he writes in 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

There are 4 pertinent points here to make:
(1) We should avoid temptation whenever possible. Typically, we know beforehand whether a circumstance could lead to sin. The obvious way to avoid sin is to avoid those circumstances. Our "way of escape" is to stay away from the place or the people where the temptation resides.
(2) We should flee from powerful temptations. When we find ourselves in the face of something or someone that is tempting us in a way that leads to sin, we should get out of there fast! Don't walk, don't pass GO, don't collect $200.00; just get out!
(3) When we have a chronic temptation in our life, we don't want to hide from it; rather, give it to Christ who is the Master Healer, and let Him cleanse us from inside.
(4) We need to resist temptation until it leaves us. By being immersed in the Word of God, we can provide ammunition against the temptations in our life and stand our ground.

We have the promise of God that whatever we are tempted with won't be beyond what others have experienced as well, nor will it be beyond our ability to deal with them.

Blessings to all