Escape

                        “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and 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 10:13

 

Praise the Lord that this verse is true!

 

How many times has a sin seemed to overtake you and left your heart wrecked and guilt ridden?

 

            If the answer is, “Too many times!” then listen up.

 

            Let’s talk temptations. The temptations in our life are many and strong. Some come with warning, and some sneak up on us like those school paper deadlines.

 

            A temptation also requires a response. Some of you reading this are saying “Caleb, you don’t understand. I just ignore temptation and it seems to go away.” Well, kudos to you, but the very act of ignoring is a response in itself! And there are many sins out there that are beating people down over and over again because they’re so far deep that ignoring a temptation is beyond question. They have to have a greater response; an escape plan.

 

            How do I deal with temptation?

            What does a “game plan” look like?

            Is there always an escape?

            I am not strong enough to take the escape. What do I do?

 

Dealing with temptation is different for everybody. You have to find out what works for you. Be smart!

 

If you have trouble with your searches on the internet, don’t be alone with a computer.

If you have trouble with your girlfriend or boyfriend, don’t be alone with them either.

If you have trouble with drinking too much, don’t go to that party where you know there will be alcohol.

If you have trouble with gossip, leave the conversation and don’t surround yourself with people who tend to gossip.

 

It is all about finding what triggers your temptations, isolating that variable and then deciding ahead of time how to deal with it in a way that will honor God.

 

It seems pretty simple, but it is extremely hard for some people (me included) in practice.

 

Why is that?

 

If the issue is that you can’t seem to see the way out and don’t believe that God is capable of providing one to you, read the verse again.

 

            “God is faithful”

He is not going to leave you. Ever.

He knows your past, your present and your future and he still loves you.

He is not surprised at the outcome and your response to the temptation and he still loves you.

He created the entire universe and yet he cares for you because you are his child.

 

His power is not limited…he can provide an escape.

 

Most likely, it is not the issue of not seeing the way of escape that plagues Christians; it’s actually taking it.

 

Like I mentioned earlier, a temptation requires a response. You can either fall for it, or you can beat it.

 

Ok, so what if you have tried to take the escape and you still fail?

 

YOU CANNOT DO THIS ALONE.

 

“There is no temptation that has overtaken you that is not common to man”

 

You hear that?

You are not alone in this fight!

 

Galatians 6 is going to call us to “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2)

 

This is a call to participate in gospel centered accountability with other believers. Find someone, or a group of people that are dealing with the same struggle and struggle together and with Christ.

 

Pray for eyes to see the way out.

Pray for ears to hear the Holy Spirit.

Pray for God to give you the strength, discipline and boldness to act and actually take the way out.

 

Escape.