Devotional: Escape from Temptation 1 Corinthians 10:13

All of us face temptation. In simple words temptation means that we desire to do something that we ought not to do. I have heard some people say, “If it’s good to you, it’s good for you.” Nothing can be further from the truth. Because of our sinful nature we desire to do some things that are not good for us. Drinking alcoholic beverages may be good for the taste buds and a feeling of freedom from the things that burden us, but the effect of alcohol on our liver can be devastating; causing disease and even death.

In the text that we have before us the apostle Paul is warning his audience that they are not to be like the Israelites that gave in to their cravings. Paul gives four examples. They were idolaters (v. 7), acted immorally (v. 8), tried the Lord (v. 9), and they grumbled against the Lord (v. 10).

We do not have to give into temptation. When we are tempted, the Lord will protect us. The Lord provides us with a means of escape. When we are tempted we can choose to yield to the temptation, or we can accept from the Lord the escape that He provides. We can gain direction and strength by reading and meditating on the scriptures, prayer, and praise. Prayer partners and accountability partners are great resources that can help us to resist temptation. Of course we need the Holy Spirit to connect us to God and empower us to have the mind of Christ.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for Your Spirit and all the resources that keep us from being tempted beyond our own abilities to escape them. Amen.