Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 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 the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13, NKJV

Temptation. As Paul says in the verse quoted above, temptation is the common lot of humanity. It is real; it is powerful; it is personal; it is deceptive; it is destructive. So, what are we to do when we experience temptation? How are we to deal with it, defeat it? What safeguards can we put in place to aid us when temptation comes?

First of all, it is imperative that we understand the fact that temptation is real. There is an alluring, tantalizing, drawing power as temptation does its work on the individual. And, it must be understood that temptation comes from a wide variety of sources. We can be tempted from our own sinful nature, or by other people who invite us to engage in sinful activity, or from the enticements of worldliness, or from Satanic assault. But the fact of the matter is that temptation is real, and we must protect ourselves from its onslaught.

Second, we must realize that the alluring power of temptation can seem insurmountable. If we are not careful, and allow ourselves to be in compromising situations, we then open ourselves up to temptation. If I know that I have the tendency to give in to temptation in certain places, or with certain people, then I need to stay away from those places and people. But so often we put ourselves in positions or places in which we can easily be led into sinful activities because we put ourselves in the wrong places with the wrong people.

Third, it is important to remember that temptation always looks good. Have you ever noticed how deceptive temptation is to you, personally? That thought that just one time wouldn’t hurt, or that it wouldn’t really affect anyone else if I engaged in this activity, or that it sure would be nice to do that, or that this could prove to be a worthwhile investment of my time, energy and resources.

Think about a few Biblical examples of individuals who gave in to the alluring appearance of temptation: Eve ate of the forbidden fruit; Achan took of the accursed spoils of Jericho; the people of Israel rejected God because they wanted to be like the other nations; King Saul gave in to the temptation to compromise the clear instructions from God; Ananias and Saphira lied about a certain amount of money they had contributed; and so many others. They all thought their actions would bring a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, but each resulted in destruction.

But let’s remember that Paul teaches clearly that temptation can be defeated. God always provides a means of escape. If I walk in the Spirit of God, then I can withstand the onslaught of temptation, regardless of the source of that temptation’s origin.

To guard ourselves against falling to temptation, we need to practice Christian disciplines: spend time in prayer, engage in Bible study, have an accountability partner, fellowship with other believers, practice personal and group discipleship, etc.

Temptation is the common lot of the human family, but it does not have to win. We are enabled by the grace of God with all we need to overcome those desires that are contrary to the teachings of Scripture.

Until next time:

Blessings!