The Truth About Temptation

1 Cor. 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

That is an encouraging verse! That's the good news about temptation. When God is with us, He promises to provide a way out.

When we're tempted, He's our counselor. He is for us. He promises to help us if we let him. 

There are several things about this verse. First, it says temptations are common. They are common to man. We all have the same problems. And if there are some common problems it means there must be common solutions. They're in God's Word.

Then it says God is with me when I'm being tempted. He's right there when I'm being tempted. That's a motivation for me not to give in. When I realize God is right here watching me, that is a motivation to resist the temptation. 

Look, being tempted is not a sin. Jesus was tempted, and he never sinned. It's when we act on those temptations that we sin.

He knows exactly the struggle going on in my mind. He's pulling for me. He's preparing an escape route. He sees it coming before I see it coming. He knows I'm walking right into it. He's already preparing an escape route for me to get out of it. It's not just my will power, but His power and He's promised to help me. That's good news! 

When I'm tempted God is my counselor. He gives me advise. He knows what I need to do. And He promises to help me out. No matter what temptation I face this next week at home, at work, at church, at school God is there. He's with me in that time of temptation. 

Job 13:27 (NIV) "You, God, keep a close watch on all my paths." 

Because God is everywhere He sees everything. There was a song that came out a couple of years ago "No one knows what goes on behind closed doors" -- Surprise! God knows! There is no such thing as a locked door to God. You can't lock Him in, you can't lock Him out. He's everywhere. It's no big surprise to Him. He's there. He can see everything that is going on in my life.

I MUST BE AWARE OF HIS PRESENCE

It is so much easier to control yourself when you know other people are watching. Have you noticed that in your life? When people watch us, it is a motivation. God is always watching you. When I am tempted, He is my counselor. He says, "I'm making a way out. I'll help you." if we'll just rely on Him. He's there to help us out.

When I am aware of God's presence, it helps me to maintain more control. 

When you are tempted are you seeking Him? Are you looking for His way out? He promises to provide one. That's good news.