Understanding Temptation
The Significance of Temptation
Temptation is one of the most important concepts for Christians to understand. It is the stage that takes place before sin. Since sin is the most significant offense to God, mastering temptation is crucial.
While some sin habitually without recognizing it as sin, for those facing temptation, it is the first step toward sinning—or toward obedience. Temptation presents two outcomes: sin or obedience to God.
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. But 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 Corinthians 10:13
How will you respond to temptation? Will it be an opportunity to sin or to obey God? The goal is to respond with obedience, bringing praise and glory to God. Disobedience results in sin; obedience glorifies God.
To endure temptation requires two categories: it is intellectual—you must know something about it—and practical—you must do something about it.
The Context of 1 Corinthians: Maturity and Unity
The book of 1 Corinthians addresses maturity and unity. The Corinthians lacked spiritual maturity, needing milk rather than solid food. Christians who endure temptation demonstrate maturity; inability to endure indicates immaturity.
Unity was also lacking, with divisions over leaders. True unity aligns with Christ and includes all who preach the same doctrine. Enduring temptation fosters unity; failure spills over, affecting the body of Christ. There is no such thing as private sin—bitterness defiles many.
The Scope of Temptation: Common to Man
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. The Greek word peirasmos here refers to temptation—a circumstance aimed at making you sin, with two outcomes: sin or obedience.
Trials may overlap but differ; some trials sanctify and cease sin. God does not tempt anyone to sin but allows it, often through demonic or satanic means, like the deep things of Satan in sexual immorality.
Temptations are not supernatural in force, though supernaturally influenced. They are common, frequent, and natural to humanity—not unique or tailor-made. Focusing solely on temptation makes it seem insurmountable, but recognizing its commonality shrinks it.
If temptations seem absent for months, you may be blind to sins you love. Take every thought captive to obey Christ—interrogate all thoughts by God's Word.
Our Ability Through God's Faithfulness
God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. Your ability stems not from yourself but from God's faithfulness in limiting temptation. Without his restraint, endurance would be impossible.
We are able to endure—not in isolation, but because God shackles temptation within our capacity. This applies to temptations unto sin, not all trials or suffering, which may exceed our strength to shake off lethargy and direct us to eternity.
Common temptations unite us; brothers and sisters face similar ones. Lock arms, endure together—no rogue Christianity.
The Way of Escape
With every temptation, God provides the way of escape so you may endure it. Temptation is restrained, limited to your ability, and equipped with escape—rendering sin a choice.
You sin by ignoring the escape, perhaps deceiving yourself that you cannot endure. But obedience is guaranteed if you choose it.
Practical Responses to Endure Temptation
Specific ways to endure:
- Say no to temptation. Verbalize a firm "no," praying for the Holy Spirit's aid. The grace of God teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions.
- Pray. Prayer applies God's Word, demonstrating trust. We must pray more.
- Take the escape. It is there; choose it.
- Don't go alone. Isolation breeds self-justification. Obey together—God has given victory; live in it.
- Flee idolatry. All sin is idolatry—the sins you prefer. Flee like Joseph from Potiphar's wife. Therefore, flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14). Run; absence weakens sin's hold.
Shout "no" to temptation, pray, take the escape, unite, and flee. You will be free from sins your flesh loves but spirit hates.
