The Wilderness of Temptation
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“When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:13c (NLT)
Temptations – we all deal with them, sometimes better than others if you’re like me. Temptations can leave you feeling battered and overwhelmed at times, even trapped. The good news is that you are not alone in the temptations you struggle with. Even Jesus faced temptations. In Matthew 4:1 (NIV) the Bible tells us, “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Whenever you see the word, “Then”, you may ask yourself, “When?” When was Jesus led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil? If you go back a chapter, you’ll find the answer – immediately after His baptism! The devil doesn’t waste any time attacking us, does he? But here’s the good news, Hebrews 4:15 (TLB) says that Jesus “understands our weaknesses since He had the same temptations we do, though He never once gave way to them and sinned.”
Because God clothed Himself with our humanity, He subjected Himself to the same trials and temptations that we face. He understands. He cares. And He is able to deliver us through the temptations we face! Hebrews 2:18 (TLB) says, “For since He Himself has now been through suffering and temptation, He knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted, and He is wonderfully able to help us.”
How does He help us overcome temptation? Our passage today gives us three practical insights:
1. “The temptations you face in your life are no different from what others experience.” 1 Cor. 10:13a (NLT) You’re not alone, so don’t feel like you’ve been singled out. Others have resisted the same temptations, and so can you. This is why we all need a life group to encourage us and protect us in seasons of temptations that would otherwise be beyond our ability to resist alone. There is power and accountability in fellowship with other Christ followers.
2. “God is faithful, He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.” (Vs. 13b) Even when tempting you, Satan must have permission as to how much he may tempt you. (See Job 1 and 2.) Use the power of praise when you’re tempted, thanking God that He has already conquered the devil and will not permit him to tempt you beyond what you can stand.
3. “When you are tempted, (God) will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (Vs. 13c) Look for the way out. Jesus used the power of God’s Word, called the Sword of the Spirit, to thrive in the wilderness of temptation and so can you. This is why it is so important to hide God’s Word in your heart every day, so that you may not yield to temptation.
If you’re in the wilderness of temptation today take these three practical steps. You’ll not only survive the temptations, but your faith will thrive!