1 Corinthians 10:13-18: a reflection

13No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 14Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15I speak as to wise men. Judge what I say. 16The cup of blessing which we bless, isn’t it a sharing of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, isn’t it a sharing of the body of Christ? 17Because there is one loaf of bread, we, who are many, are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf of bread. 18Consider Israel according to the flesh. Don’t those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar?

Paul gives one of the most quietly practical promises in Scripture, aimed at people struggling with temptation: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Three assurances packed together for anyone fighting temptation.

Notice each one. First, your temptation is not unique or uniquely overpowering; it is common to man, the same struggle others have faced and survived. Second, God is faithful and sets a limit: he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. And third, and most practical, with every temptation he provides a way of escape, an exit, a way out that lets you endure it. You are never trapped in temptation with no door; God always provides one.

That changes how to fight temptation. The lie temptation tells is that you are trapped, that there is no way out, that you have no choice but to give in. Paul says otherwise: there is always a way of escape that God has provided, and the task is to look for it and take it. When temptation presses, do not believe the lie that you are cornered. God is faithful; he has provided an exit. Look for the way of escape he has made, and take it. You are never without a door.

Lord, you promise that with every temptation you provide a way of escape, so I am never trapped without a door. When temptation presses and tells me I have no choice but to give in, help me reject that lie. You are faithful; you will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. Give me eyes to see the way of escape you have provided, and the will to take it.