Taming Temptation: Nothing New Under the “Son!”
Nothing New – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  1 Peter 5:8-9

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.

This month we are going to study another great promise in God’s Word.  This promise details how we deal with temptation.  I intentionally and carefully selected the title: “Taming Temptation.”  I wanted to be very clear in this study that we are not approaching temptation with the idea that God wants to deliver us from ever being tempted.  The Bible warns us that, while in this world, temptation is part of our lives no matter how close to God we live.  Temptation will end when we get to heaven, but not before!

            We don’t approach the subject in a way that infers that we can eliminate temptation, but rather tame it!  When a person tames a lion they are controlling its power, not eliminating it.  If a trainer doesn’t respect the ever-present power of a lion, they will probably be destroyed by it!  We must always respect the power and influence of the devil.  The Bible describes him as like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8-9).

            So, with God’s Word as our sword, we can tame the temptations that come our way.  With God’s Word we can control the influences of evil that continually nip at our heels to defeat us!  Our key verse for the month, 1 Corinthians 10:13, details this process of taming temptation.  Let’s all determine to memorize it and use it as our main defense against the powers of the evil one!

 “Father, I am so grateful that you have provided the power to overcome evil that comes our way!  As I face temptation today I will trust your power!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”