Topical Bible: Temptation: God Knows How to Deliver Saints out of

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Temptation is a common experience for all believers, yet Scripture assures us that God is both aware of our struggles and capable of delivering us from them. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight God's faithfulness in providing a way of escape for His people.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Peter, in his second epistle, emphasizes God's ability to rescue the godly from trials. In 2 Peter 2:9 , he writes, "if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment." This verse underscores the assurance that God is actively involved in the lives of His saints, providing deliverance from the snares of temptation.

God's Faithfulness and Provision

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of temptation in his first letter to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 , he states, "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." This passage highlights two key aspects of God's provision: the limitation of temptation to what we can endure and the promise of an escape route.

Examples from Scripture

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of God delivering His people from temptation. One notable instance is the account of Joseph, who was tempted by Potiphar's wife. Despite the persistent advances, Joseph remained steadfast, declaring in Genesis 39:9 , "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" His reliance on God's strength and his commitment to righteousness led to his eventual deliverance and elevation in Egypt.

Another profound example is Jesus Christ Himself, who faced temptation in the wilderness. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus resists the devil's temptations by relying on Scripture, demonstrating the power of God's Word as a tool for overcoming temptation. His victory serves as a model for believers, showing that reliance on God and His Word is crucial in times of trial.

The Role of Prayer and the Holy Spirit

Prayer is a vital component in seeking God's deliverance from temptation. Jesus instructed His disciples to pray for deliverance in the Lord's Prayer, saying, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13). This petition acknowledges our dependence on God for protection and guidance.

Moreover, the Holy Spirit plays an essential role in empowering believers to overcome temptation. Galatians 5:16 encourages believers to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit provides strength and discernment, enabling Christians to resist the allure of sin.

Encouragement for Believers

Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's promises and provision. James 1:12 offers a blessing for those who endure temptation: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." This assurance of reward serves as motivation for believers to remain faithful amidst trials.

In summary, the Bible provides a comprehensive understanding of God's ability to deliver His saints from temptation. Through His faithfulness, provision, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, believers can confidently face and overcome the challenges of temptation, knowing that God is with them every step of the way.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 2:9
The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust to the day of judgment to be punished:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Temptation
... God knows, my friends, better than I; and I trust that He will teach you to know,
according to ... What temptation that would be to our Lord as God, I dare not ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon vii temptation.htm

Spiritual Culture.
... When your way grows very dark and temptation's billows roll high ... Also remember that
he knows how to deliver you, and is ... God sees that you need this and he is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xi spiritual culture.htm

The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... The Christian now knows, by experience, that his most immediate ... How strong is the
temptation to abuse our trust ... altar will then be answered, and God will avenge ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm

Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints
... when one of these days of strong temptation shall come ... Serve God in early days; give
your hearts to him ... little prattler, not six years old, who knows the Saviour ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/sweet comfort for feeble saints.htm

Introduction
... and "Pray that you enter not into temptation," and "Pray ... unspeakable and He that
searches hearts knows what is ... all things even the depth of God first praise ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen on prayer/chapter one introduction.htm

Prayer and Trouble
... Temptation is really a solicitation to evil arising from the devil or born in the
carnal nature of man. ... Blessed is he who knows how to turn to God in "the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the essentials of prayer/v prayer and trouble.htm

The Power of God
... Who knows the power of his wrath?' Psalm 90:11. ... (2.) In case of strong temptation.
Satan is called the strong man; but remember the power of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/6 the power of god.htm

Judged by Fruit
... same person running after those things which he knows God is against ... professor, who
became famous as a man of God, stated that no temptation or provocation ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/xi judged by fruit.htm

Again in John v. 2, Etc. , on the Five Porches, Where Lay a Great ...
... Wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from ... say and make answer to me, "Yea,
God knows that I ... together, ye praise the word of God; temptation will prove ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxv again in john.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... 125:3.) "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly ... Psalm 124:2, 3.) "There hath no
temptation taken you ... the remark, that since the wisdom of God knows that if ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm