4 Diabolical Lies About Temptation
By Pastor David Kuntz

In one of the most precious passages of all Scripture 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, the apostle Paul warns us about four lies that open the trap door to temptation.  If we heed this inspired advice, then by God’s grace we can successfully resist temptation and live holy lives for God.

Lie # 1 – “It will never happen to me!”

Temptations are particularly dangerous when you don’t think you can fall.  That is why 1 Corinthians 10:12 begins with a strong warning about temptation:  “Therefore, let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall.”  You are the most vulnerable to falling into temptation when you say it cannot happen to me.  Don’t fall for Satan’s lie!  

If you repeatedly sin in an area, then you may conclude you’re sins are unique.  You may think no one else has ever struggled with what you’re struggling with. Well, again don’t believe the Devil’s lie!  In verse 13, the apostle Paul says, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man.” You are not alone; others struggle with the same sin you face too.
                       

You may not always feel the closeness of God when you face a temptation.  But the Bible reveals that God is intimately involved in your temptations.  God is not a spectator; He does not leave His children alone to face the temptations Satan throws at us.  Instead God is faithful.  He may not remove it because facing it may make you stronger and help you grow in the Lord.  You can withstand temptation because God never leaves you.  Don’t fall for the Devil’s lie!

Lie #4 – “There is no way out, so it’s not my fault”

Now God never sends a temptation.  The Bible says God is not the author of temptation.  However, He does permit it, and when it comes, He makes sure you can endure it.  There will never be a time when temptation totally overwhelms you like a tornado.  You cannot say, “It was just too strong.  I couldn’t help it” or “This kind of thing runs in my family!”  or “The devil made me do it.”  These are lies of the Devil so he can get you to fall.  Paul said, “God… will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” These words provide each one of us with a guaranteed hope in the face of temptation.  God’s first provision for you in the face of temptation is limitation.  God will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able to bear.  He specifically limits it.  The next provision by the Lord is the construction of a way of escape.  Paul doesn’t say God will find a way of escape; he says God will make a way of escape.  The word for escape is a very interesting word in the original language.  It is almost the exact same word used in Luke 9:31 to describe the “exodus.”  Paul says every time you are tempted, the Lord opens up the Red Sea for you to cross and escape from the enemy. 
           

The next time you feel like you’re falling for a temptation, think about the promise of 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 and the truth will set you free!  Flee to God’s throne room and tell Him, “Lord I realize I’m in the middle of a temptation and it can happen to me because others faced this too.  Thank you that you are faithful in that you will limit this temptation and enable me to bear it and as well provide a way of escape from it.  Deliver me from evil that I may be holy for you.”