A Way Out

ByJim Stephens

Reading: 1 Corinthians 10; Psalm 139

12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NLT)

It’s human nature and it’s the human situation. Temptations to sin come to all of us. Because we are all the same in our humanity, the temptations in my life are no different from what others experience.

Here are some things that will help to keep me from giving in to the temptations that come into my life:
• Don’t become overconfident or arrogant about my condition.
• Recognize the costly consequences of the sin.
• Be so committed to God’s purpose for my life that I refuse to be sidelined by sin.
• Fear the displeasure of God. Sin separates.
• Make myself relationally accountable to someone and be honest in that relationship.
• Ask God for wisdom to approach life’s choices thoughtfully, and not just emotionally or impulsively.
• Look for the way out God provides rather than excusing my wrong choice. God’s Word says to flee temptation, not resist it.
• Be quick to confess and repent when I sin.

Prayer:

Father, Thank you that you always faithfully provide a way for me to overcome temptation and make the right choices. Please forgive me for the many times I don’t deal with temptation wisely and fail to take the way out you provide. Help me to do better and to help others do better with this. Amen.