NEW BEGINNINGS 2013 DAY 13: TEMPTATION (Part 4)

God 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

Notice the small word “let” in the verse above.

Let means allow.

Allow means permit.

Satan needs permission for every single temptation! 

Every single temptation has a God established limitation!

And what is that limitation?  The ability of every person! 

Every temptation is tailor made by Satan for each individual person.

But every temptation is also given a tailor made limitation by God. 

Some may ask, “Why does God even allow Satan ANY room for temptation?

A good question.

Satan’s rebellion coincides with human rebellion.  In other words, it is only because some AGREE with iniquity that Satan succeeds in temptation.   

Remember this scripture:

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.   

James 1:13-15 NIV

The evil desire of each sinner gives opportunity to The Tempter.  Neither God nor Satan makes humans sin.  Yet no human ever has to sin!  No man or woman EVER has to yield to ANY temptation. 

Why?

Because God has not only placed a limitation on the strength of every temptation, but He also makes a way out BEFORE HAND!  He makes sure no temptation is irresistible. 

The man tempted to commit adultery will not be so aroused that he cannot resist the adulteress.  Contrary to Satan’s deception, there is NO irresistible woman or sexual situation.

The woman tempted to over eat will not be so hungry that she must over indulge.  There is NO food that cannot be denied.

The man tempted to lose his temper will not be provoked to anger to the extent that he must murder.  There is NO provocation so sudden the man cannot choose his actions.

What if people believed these things in 2013?  What if people viewed every future temptation as innately resistible?  Every bad habit could be forsaken, and every good habit could become permanent.  God is faithful and all powerful.  By faith in Him, resisting temptation is very possible!