Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation, will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
When we read 1 Corinthians, chapter ten we are told the Israelites were examples for us so that we might not be self indulgent craving evil things as they did. We are warned against becoming idolaters as they were. They acted immorally, and we are told 23,000 fell in one day. They tried the Lord and were destroyed by serpents. We are warned against grumbling and complaining as they did, and were then destroyed by the destroyer. Read the chapter for better understanding. We are again told these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction.
Often when I read of others’ sins I think I am above doing these things, and the Lord gently reminds me of this verse in 10:12. When we think we can stand, take heed that we might not fall. In reality we are all one decision away from falling at all times if you think about it. We must heed God’s instruction in His Word to stay on the alert, and pray without ceasing, and allow His Word to abide in our hearts walking in the Spirit, if we are to continue to stand. We will all battle temptations of the flesh as long as we live in our mortal bodies. It is a daily struggle for all of us Americans, because self indulgence is a way of life for most of us. We deny our flesh very little. We must remember our flesh wars against the spirit man. It will always be hostile to the things of God. (Galatians 5:17-25), (Romans 8:5-17) Please look these verses up and meditate on them before going on. They hold the truths to make us overcomers as Jesus was.
I have seen many fall who tried to live with one foot in the world and one foot in a walk with God. It doesn’t work. It is called a divided heart. It will allow the destroyer to destroy God’s calling and purpose for your life, and you will hurt the ones who love you the most beginning with our Heavenly Father.
Look at verse 23 and be encouraged. Here Paul tells us we have not been tempted by any sin that is not common to man. We are told God is faithful, who will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able. but with the temptation, will provide a way of escape also, so that we will be able to endure it. I know this is true, because I have learned to pray when I am being tempted in various ways, and to cry out to God to show me the way of escape He has promised. He has always done so, if I really meant it. He sees the heart. You cannot play games with God. Please don’t get the idea I have never sinned. We all know that isn’t true, but it isn’t because God didn’t answer His promise. It is because I haven’t always asked for His way of escape. I have fallen into temptation because I chose to disobey God and please my flesh which leads to corruption and destruction if we continue in our sinful ways. However, the good news is we have a wonderful Advocate in Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. Be comforted by the words of John in John 2:1-2 :
"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the covering for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. "
I love the way John, the fisherman, calls us little children. That is exactly what I continue to feel like concerning my Heavenly Father. He is our Father, and we will remain His children forever. We want to try to avoid sin so that we might not bring hurt and disappointment to our Father’s heart. He wants to protect His children from the consequences of sin. When we choose disobedience to God’s instruction we give opportunity to the one who wants to steal, kill and destroy us. (John 10:10) May we not be foolish children, but wise in the ways of God that we might not sin against Him. I promise you a life of fewer regrets.
In His love.
Teresa Roberts
Masterpiece Fitness
276-237-6680
Two highlights in my week was a hike to The Channels in Russell and Washington County in Virginia. The second one was participating in the 13th Annual Marine Corp Mud Run located in Pinnacle, NC. Additions to the many experiences God has blessed me to continue to live out! Only He knows the depths of my gratitude to Him!
