Temptations can come when you least expect it. Do you want to know the foolproof way to abandon any temptation? Great! Read on.
When a Christian electrician we know was done with the job at his customer’s home, the man asked him if he wanted to be paid or go back to the bedroom with the man’s wife. Say what?! He was presented with an opportunity to sin, but thank God He took the money he had earned instead.
We are all tempted from time to time.
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. 1 Cor. 10:13 ESV
When temptation comes, God provides the “way of escape.” What was the way of escape for the electrician?
When temptation comes, God provides the “way of escape.” Click To TweetI used to think the way of escape was God’s intervention by some physical means when I was a kid. I played up a scenario in my head:
What if I was innocently watching TV and suddenly a racy scene was about to be shown? The phone would start ringing, and I would go answer it in the other room. (This was before cordless phones. Yes, I’m that old, but I won’t tell if you don’t.) It’s Grandma, calling to have a long chat. When the conversation is over, I would go back to finish the show, but it’s already over. I thought, God, You sure provided a great way of escape!
But then I would worry that the phone wouldn’t ring, and I would not have a route to abandon temptation.
I would pray and ask God to help me by making a natural way of escape available, yet no physical opportunity presented itself. After falling into temptation and sinning, I was becoming frustrated. I thought God wasn’t keeping His promise in that scripture.
But then when I was older I was studying my Bible one day, and I received a revelation. All humans deal with the same kinds of temptation, but what is unique to the individual is God doesn’t allow us to be tempted beyond what we are capable. Instead, He provides the way of escape. (See 1 Cor. 10:13 above.)
What exactly is that way of escape? We’ll cover that in a moment, but first, let’s look at what is true about temptation according to the Bible.
Facts about Temptation
- God doesn’t tempt us.
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. James 1:13 NASB
- The devil is the Tempter.
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” Matthew 4:1, 3 NASB
- Temptation isn’t sin.
But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. James 1:14-15 NASB
The temptation itself isn’t sin, but when we give into the temptation it becomes sin. The verses are a metaphor of a man indulging in his impulses.
- God doesn’t tempt us beyond our ability.
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. 1 Cor. 10:13b ESV
Remember this. If you are faced with a temptation, and you think you don’t know what to do, ask the Holy Spirit to bring a verse to your memory. Look one up if one doesn’t come to mind. If God didn’t think you were strong enough to overcome it, He wouldn’t have allowed you to be tempted with it. The truth you have learned in the Word is for your benefit. Use it freely!
The truth you have learned in the Word is for your benefit. Use it freely! Click To Tweet
The Way of Escape
We can certainly flee the room or situation if we’re able. Take Joseph, for example. He ran as if he was being chased by a nest full of angry hornets. He didn’t want to get stung!
She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house. Genesis 39:12 ESV
That wasn’t the only day she was after him. After he was promoted to being responsible for everything in his master’s house, she batted her eyes at him and didn’t beat around the bush. She wanted to get intimate (39:7). He said no right away, but she persisted day after day (39:10).
Not only did Joseph need to flee the physical location of the temptation, but would have needed to respond properly to the daily, verbal bombardment from Potiphar’s wife. She wanted him; she probably fixed herself up fine and turned sultry. If he allowed himself to dwell on her suggestion, there may have been a different outcome to the story.
If we dwell on a suggestion of sin we will surely fall. #temptation Click To Tweet
The devil will also harass us with a mental barrage of tempting thoughts. We will need to respond with wisdom by utilizing the same strategy that Jesus did. He responded with Scripture every time the devil threw another temptation His way (Matthew 4:1-11).
The way to escape temptation is a departure: flee physical temptations by using your feet, and abandon mental temptations by speaking the Word.
It’s foolproof.
What is your strategy against temptation?
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Kelly, This is wise advice. Thank you for sharing these verses. Departure is the best course of action for sure.
The only way. Thanks for stopping by Leslie!
Use your feet and speak the Word. Love how simple it really can be. And, don’t you love how active scripture is? Speaking the truth of His words — brings super-natural power. I’m so thankful for the Holy Spirit. And, Joseph, what a great example is he? He’s one of my favorites. 🙂 — Thank you for sharing your insight with #ChasingCommunity, today. ((hug))
I’m glad it’s simple, Brenda, otherwise I think I’d be sunk. 😉 Yes, there is so much to be gleaned from Joseph’s life. Hugs to you!
This is great advice. I like how you identify that although God provides a means of escape we have to choose to take it by removing ourselves from the situation or turning to God’s Word.
Yes, it begins with a choice, although it’s not always easy!
I’m grateful that we do have strategies for fleeing temptation. And I’m also grateful for forgiveness for the times we fall. Thanks for encouraging us to be strong, Kelly.
I’m grateful for God’s grace, too, Lisa. Thanks for your visit!
I can’t believe the electrician story. Oh my goodness!
Thank you for these words, it’s comforting to know we have a God that is ever-ready to help us.
#FreshMarketFriday
Isn’t He great? Thank you for coming by on Saturday for a Friday linkup. It gave me comfort to know I’m not the only one who runs late on these things. 😉
Thank you so much for this! I’ve been thinking a lot about about 1 Corinthians 10:13 lately and I have to admit, I was struggling with it because so often it appears that God DOESN’T give us a way out. But you make a great point–just because it’s a way out, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be the easy way out! I love James 4:7 on this topic: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
You’re welcome, Jenna! James gives such wisdom. Submission to God isn’t easy, but always worth it. I hope to see you here again. 🙂
Kelly, I just love the way you write so straightforward and logically, and with such a heart of compassion!
Your comment blessed me so much! It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for that. Your posts often speak to me right where I need to hear it. Keep writing, friend! 🙂
My strategy is basically, “stop, drop, and pray” and then run out of the situation, whatever it is. If it’s a mental temptation, I will do anything to get out of my head: watch Pixar with my kids, bake something, do a little writing (about something other than what I’m thinking about). Thanks for sharing this on the #SundayThoughts link up!
Welcome. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your strategy. Praying is what Jesus advised His disciples to do when they were in the Garden so they wouldn’t fall into temptation.
Amazing how Jesus was able to resist temptation in His time here on Earth through His knowledge of Scripture. So important for us to stay close to the heart of God. Thanks, Kelly, for these clear principles.
He inspires me. 😉
I love your 5 Facts about Temptation. Simple and Powerful!!!
Praying you get the rest you need to recharge those batteries 🙂
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
Thank you so much, and you too! 🙂
It seems we are on the same page today, Kelly. And I love the insights you’ve given us into how to resist temptation. I always think of James 4:7 that talks about “resisting the devil and he will flee,” which fits right along with your challenge to us when we face temptation. We just need to get out of there as quickly as possible! Thanks for sharing this thought-provoking post on such an important and relevant topic, my friend! Hope you have a great rest of the week!
Hi, Beth! Yeah, getting a relevant verse in our head and running away is a good plan. Many blessings, my friend.
Thank you, Kelly, for this great reminder and encouragement that we are not powerless against temptation. And praise God for that since the devil prowls about seeking whom to devour. How loving God is to empower us with His Word in a world of temptations.
Amen, Alice! I love it that God’s power always wins against the enemy, and I’m thankful He’s given us His power.
I certainly keep in constant contact with God and that helps! I think most of us as kids think it will be a physical removal, like the phone ringing. What a disappointment when we figure that out! (I also thought the Pillsbury Doughboy came in the box when you bought the brand. Another letdown!) listening to that still, small voice takes effort but is so worth it!
Hi, Sarah! Staying in tune with God all day definitely helps!