How can we practically "stand up under it" when facing temptations? The Promise of 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 an escape, so that you can stand up under it.” What “stand up under it” Looks Like • Remaining on your feet spiritually—neither yielding to sin nor collapsing in despair • Walking out of the test with your faith intact and your conscience clear • Emerging stronger, not scarred, because God’s route of escape was chosen and used Seeing How God Keeps His Promise • Temptations are “common to man” – you are never singled out unfairly • “God is faithful” – His character guarantees practical help every time • “Will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear” – He governs the limits • “Will also provide an escape” – in every situation there is a God-given exit door Recognizing the Enemy’s Tactics • Genesis 3:1 – casting doubt on God’s word • Matthew 4:1-11 – twisting Scripture, offering shortcuts, appealing to pride • James 1:14-15 – luring by personal desires, then conceiving sin Practical Escape Routes • Fill your mind with truth: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) • Pray in the moment: “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41) • Speak Scripture aloud, following Jesus’ pattern in the wilderness (Matthew 4) • Physically leave the context if possible—Joseph “ran outside” (Genesis 39:12) • Call an accountability partner—“Two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) • Redirect desires with praise and service—Psalm 16:11 points to fuller joy in God • Fast when battles are intense; it sharpens dependence on the Spirit (Matthew 6:16-18) • Replace idle time with purposeful work (Ephesians 5:15-16) Living by the Spirit “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Daily surrender: invite the Spirit’s control at the start of each day • Cultivate His fruit—love, joy, peace, etc.—which crowds out sinful cravings • Rely on His power, not sheer willpower (Romans 8:13) Putting On the Armor “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11-18) • Belt of truth: counter lies immediately • Breastplate of righteousness: remember your standing in Christ • Feet fitted with readiness: stay on mission, not on temptation’s turf • Shield of faith: quench fiery darts of doubt • Helmet of salvation: guard thought life with gospel certainty • Sword of the Spirit—Word of God: strike back, don’t just defend • Prayer in the Spirit: ongoing communication keeps armor active Strength from Fellowship • Hebrews 10:24-25—encourage and spur one another on to holiness • Galatians 6:1-2—restore gently, carry burdens, offer accountability • 1 Thessalonians 5:11—build each other up after every skirmish Looking to the Faithful High Priest “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15-16) • Draw near for mercy and timely grace; Jesus knows the pressure firsthand • Remember He intercedes for you (Romans 8:34), securing victory before the Father Keeping the Long View • 2 Corinthians 4:17—momentary afflictions produce eternal glory • 1 Peter 5:8-10—after suffering a little while, God will restore and strengthen you When these God-provided resources are embraced, His pledge stands fulfilled: each temptation arrives with a divinely crafted escape, and you truly can “stand up under it.” |
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