A Way of Escape

DDG, Unit 20, Session 2, Day 5 – 1 Corinthians 1:1-14

            Temptation can be a tricky thing. It often starts off subtle. Something seen out of the corner of your eye, or a thought that pops up out of nowhere. We may even dismiss it out of hand the first time we encounter it. If we’re not careful, though, before long we have pulled that thing out and we’re contemplating it. Toying with it. Play with it too long, and it feels like we simply cannot escape it.

            God’s promise in today’s scripture reading says differently. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” (NASB)

            Too often, I think we normalize the temptations we face in life. Or we rationalize them, so we don’t have to face them. We choose not to see them for what they are. God takes our temptations seriously, which is why He provides a way of escape. James wrote:

“But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin [p]is accomplished, it brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15, NASB)

            Temptation is nothing to be toyed with. It is an attempt on your eternal life and Christian witness. Following that path can lead to bad, bad things.

When was a time in your life that you clearly saw God give you a way of escape in the midst of temptation?


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