Not Beyond, Not Bound
Day 227: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, 10:1-13
“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 ESV
The 40 years that the Israelites wandered in the wilderness were not pretty. Because of their fear of the Canaanites (GIANTS! NEPHILIM!), they made an 11-day journey into a four-decade one (see Deuteronomy 1:2).
Paul points out four significant mistakes they additionally made during these nomadic years (before the promised land entrance.
Idolatry
Sexual immorality
Testing Christ
Complaining
We don’t have to work very hard to see that these four are still very much in play in our world today, working to drag us down.
Paul wanted the church in Corinth to know they weren’t beyond these same temptations. We are all capable of the most destructive behavior, but at the same time, we are not inevitably bound to fall into these four lifestyles.
Not beyond, but also not necessarily bound.
How can we overcome temptation? Let’s follow the Apostle’s advice (which is also Jesus’):
Take heed/watch out. Don’t let pride lull you into the idea of invincibility.
What you are going through temptation-wise has been faced by millions of other Christians before you. Yours is not an isolated instance.
God is faithful and will not exceed your limits to be able to resist.
BONUS: God will provide a way of escape. Look for it. Take it.