Power to Overcome:
God’s Promise – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  1 Corinthians 10:14-17

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Today’s key verse is one of the central promises of God that every believer must know and trust.  We have the power to overcome because of this promise.  We have the power to live without sin, as the Bible demands (1 John 3:9).  The devil cannot force any of God’s children to sin; this promise clarifies that truth.

            The first truth that should be noted is that God has limited the scope of temptations the devil can use against us.  This promise says “no temptation has seized you except what is common to man.”  God has put a box around the devil and refuses to allow him out of that box.  The devil has a box full of tricks, but those are common to all of us.  He has no tricks outside that box that are unusual in their strength or power over us!  When you are tempted remember: Yes, many people have probably caved to it, but many people have said no and gained victory over it.  What group will you belong to: Victims or victors?

            The second truth within this promise is awesome: God is faithful.  In the middle of your temptation, God is right there pulling for you.  Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the Father interceding for us (Hebrews 8:1).  The enemy will want to make you feel that God has left you alone to fight off the evil one.  That is a lie; God is faithful.  When tempted, speak to the Father.  He is near!  (More tomorrow)

Father, you are faithful and have proven yourself worthy of my trust!  I praise you that I can overcome temptation.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.