11/30/12- Temptation

¹² So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! ¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10)

(Temptation- Sandro Botticelli)

Thoughts: The old saying is "Pride comes before the fall."  This passage tells us to beware of spiritual pride and at the same time to not think that evil is so strong that we must bend to it.
   Temptation is common- so we should not think that we are in an unbearable, unique situation.  Others have been there before us.  So, sexual immorality is not something new- and while technology makes certain sins more available, they are not new sins.  
    Then Paul changes the focus to God.  He is faithful.  He doesn't abandon us to our temptation without some help.  He limits the temptations we face by giving us strength to resist and also providing an escape hatch out of temptation.  When we are tempted, we too should put our focus on the Lord. 
There is a joy and peace that comes when we overcome temptation.  God does not put us in impossible situations, but ones in which it is possible to shine for His glory.   

Prayer: Today, Lord, help me to resist temptation as you did.  Help me to not give into my weakness, but to rely on your strength for your glory.  

WSC Q. 106- What do we pray for in the sixth request?
A: In the sixth request, which is "and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and delivers us when we are tempted.