Victory Over Temptation

For years I have been fascinated with Bible verses that have one word repeated three times. It usually turns out that this particular verse is a key verse when it comes to understanding that word or concept.

1 Corinthians 10:13 is one such verse:

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man;

but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able,

but with the temptation will also make a way of escape,

that you may be able to bear it.

The word "temptation" or "tempted" is mentioned 3 times in this verse. There are seven monumental statements concerning temptation found right here - keys of wisdom that will help you to understand and overcome any and all temptation:

1. No Temptation has overtaken you - Temptation so often feels as though it overwhelms and overtakes us. We feel as though we have no control over it - or over ourselves. This is not true - Jesus was tempted but He never sinned (Heb. 4:15). Temptation may lead to sin, but it doesn't have to. Temptation is not the same as sin. Temptation asks us a question - sin says, "Yes" to the question.

2. Common to man - Every one of us get tempted. It may seem like we are in some special place where the temptations and trials of our lives are extraordinary...that is not the case. As it turns out...our temptations are very common. All people of all ages, all types, and all cultures are tempted just like we are. Maybe that is why Jesus teaches us to pray: "Lead us not into temptation" (Matt. 6:13).

3. God is faithful - GOD IS FAITHFUL! This statement standouts out as a banner in the midst of the verse. 

• He is faithful to be with us. The Lord is not ashamed of us - no matter what the temptation is, He is there in the midst of it - He stands with us. Temptation might make you feel isolated and alone, but His presence is assured. He never abandons us - especially in the midst of trials and temptations (Heb. 13:5).

• He is faithful to understand our trials...The Lord knows us completely and understands the unique makeup of our lives and what we can bear. He knows us and he knows the trials.

• He is faithful to not allow temptation to come upon us if we cannot bear it - He is our Guard who stands watch over every detail of our lives. He will thwart every temptation and attack that is too much for us to bear. He is our Priest and intercessor who cheers us on in the midst of temptation.

• He is faithful to make a way of escape...He is faithful to carry the burden with us. If we keep our eyes on Him, we will find a way through the darkness, a door to freedom when temptation threatens to overwhelm.

4. God...will not allow - The Lord will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able. He is not the author of the temptation in our lives (James 1:13)...We have an enemy who seeks to destroy us (1Pet. 5:8) but God is the One who watches over us and blocks the attacks of the devil. It is He who says, "Enough!"

5. With the temptation - God never says He will take away the temptation - only that He will make a way for our escape with the temptation. So...even as the battle rages on inside our hearts, God is working on our behalf. Turn your eyes and heart to the Lord during times of struggle. Even while the temptation tugs on our hearts, there is the Lord with His way of escape right through the heat of the battle. The Greek word for the preposition "with" is syn, meaning union, companionship, completeness, possession. I believe that the Lord weaves our way of escape into our union and relationship with Him. The temptation doesn't stand alone to isolate us from God. With the temptation we uncover sonship - with  sonship we find companionship - with companionship is our escape route. When we are with the Lord and possessed by Him, we will find our way to victory.

6. A way of escape - Our escape route may not look the same each time. Sometimes we might escape through prayer (Matt. 26:41). At other times we will need to run from it like Joseph did in Potiphar's house (Gen. 39:12). Jesus used the Word of God to overcome temptation (Matt. 4:5-7); and Paul gave no harbor in his mind for temptation to latch onto - he filled his thoughts with things that are true, noble, pure, excellent, etc. (Phil. 4:8). James instructs us to resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7), so actively standing up to the enemy can be a powerful tactic. We might also have a friend who will faithfully carry our burdens and hold us accountable (Gal. 6:2). Jesus gave us His body and blood so that we might abide in Him and be safe (John 6:56-57). The pathway out of temptation might be unfamiliar at times, but our escape is assured and total victory is always within our grasp.

7. You are able to bear it - The way of escape is given to us so that we can bear the temptation...it does not say that we have a way of escape so that the temptation no longer presents itself. This is a super important distinction. The temptation may continue for a time, but the escape robs it of its power and it's incessant voice dims in the light of God's presence. When we accept His ways and bring Him into the battle we will find the source and birthplace of complete victory. The Greek word for "bear" is hypophérō  which means to undergo hardship and bear it patiently, also - to bear from underneath. it is as if God's strength and power over the temptation rises from deep within us - out of relationship and abiding in Him. It is a patient assurance of our ultimate triumph.

Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. 

Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life

that the Lord has promised to those who love Him

James 1:12