1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Temptation. It is real and for the warring Christian, we know the intensity of the battle. The foes are formidable. We have the crafty devil, deceiving world, and always alluring flesh work night and day as “serpents in the garden” tempting us to commit God-dishonoring and fellowship-breaking sin. Guard and fight against them constantly for all it takes is one tempting look, one tempting click of a mouse, one tempting minute of channel surfing, one tempting critical thought about another believer, one tempting word of gossip, and the temptation turns to sin followed by the deep soul pain of remorse, regret, and repentance.

As we assume the position of watchfulness over our hearts against all forms of temptation seeking entrance, we must also make sure we look for what God says will always be available no matter the type or intensity of the temptation–the way of escape. The Apostle Paul provides encouraging instruction in today’s scripture along that line-God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. But pay attention to where our responsibility lies–God provides the escape and we are to seek and follow the path of escape. God will not do either for us. And that leads to an application toward the seeking and following the way of escaping temptation God provides.

In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he concludes it with the most comprehensive and detailed description of the armor of God the Christian is to wear if spiritual victory, defeating temptation, is to occur. Here is the entire passage and pay particular attention to the last part-Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints(Ephesians 6:10-18)

The most important application to wearing the armor of God is putting on each piece with prayer. Prayer is the fuel. Prayer is the engine. Prayer is the power behind the armor. Without prayer, the armor is ineffective. And in temptation? The way of escape God provides is revealed through prayer, and that not in the midst of temptation but on the start of temptation. Through prayer, God will direct our hearts and minds to the way of escape, but don’t toy with temptation, getting as close to the sin as we can, and expect to be delivered. It won’t happen. On the very onslaught of temptation, pray. Pray for the way of escape. God will show us the path if we mean business.

PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for providing the way of escape for me to avoid sinning against You.”
QUOTE: “God provides the way of escape but we are responsible to seek and follow its path to avoid sin.”

Because of Him,
Pastor Jim