Handling Temptation

Suggested Scripture

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Key Verse

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it.
(1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV)

Grocery stores are designed in such a way that the most basic staples of nutrition are displayed around the perimeter of the store. Nearly every store is the same; bread, produce meat, dairy--all of it can be obtained without venturing down any aisles. Store managers want us to go down the aisles though. They want to turn a sizable profit on every over-priced bit of junk food that we consumers willingly purchase. They know we are easily drawn in by large, colorful displays at the end of the aisles, and other devices of clever marketing. Upon reaching the check out line, the cart is brimming and our wallets are emptied all because we gave in to temptation.

In the spiritual sense, our enemy also knows our cravings and our weaknesses. He knows that we are not always content with a diet consisting solely of the things God has for us. The cost of giving in to temptation is great. Every time we sin willingly, we are telling God that we think we know what's better for us than He does. Just as eating too much junk food will make our bodies unhealthy, yielding to temptation makes our spirit unhealthy.

Temptation has less to do with God than it does with our basic human nature. It is an urge to do what may be considered morally or ethically "wrong" when the conscience is able to sense that which is "right."

Humankind's sinful nature will always gravitate toward that which is not beneficial. The ability to resist temptation takes practice no matter what its source. Temptation is really just an internal struggle with one's self. In realizing this, the Christian understands his own weakness when juxtaposed with the strength of a Creator God. Our faith is made perfect in those times. God provides a way out of temptation. Obeying Him is how we can stay spiritually healthy.

Reflecting Pool

Are you repeatedly exposed to temptation? If so, when?

What sort of consequences have you experienced when giving in to temptation?

What are some ways God provides ways out of temptation?