Overcoming Temptation

Background Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10
Lesson Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 11-14

Introduction

Even the lost and unbelieving know the meaning of the word temptation, at least in part. Everyone experiences the compulsion of their lustful inclinations, which are exploited and preyed upon by the evil one. Temptations threaten mankind’s knowledge of right and wrong, though this may not always be directly recognized. As believers, we too have our temptations and weaknesses. We sometimes call them besetting sins. Is there a danger of succumbing to a mindset where we justify our weaknesses by pointing out our humanity and the strength of temptation? Are we indeed helpless? What does the Bible say?

Key Verse

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Rev. 12:11).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The lesson scripture sets forth some of the experiences of the children of Israel as they traveled through the wilderness on their way to the land God had promised them. Paul wanted to remind the Corinthian believers of the conflict between truth and self that the Israelites faced and, by citing historical precedent, help them understand that they were in the same age-old battle. The principal powers in opposition to each other at the time of the exodus are the same forces that believers face today. Then, as now, God had chosen a people. He brought them into one body under Moses’s authority and leadership, and they partook of the Passover meal, which had spiritual meaning, and were united through further common experience. If they would have trusted the Lord and been obedient, all would have been well. A reading of Exodus 23 raises the possibility that, had they stayed true to God, they would not have had to do much fighting; the angel of God would have driven out their enemies before them.

As is often the case, the common human tendencies, assisted by the evil one, gained the upper hand. They lusted and coveted, they turned their worship away from God, and they fell into immorality and complained. When one considers that, as an aid to their faith and obedience, they could have at any time of the day or night looked toward the tabernacle to see the visible, supernatural manifestation of God’s presence in the pillar of cloud or fire, one must marvel all the more at the willful stubbornness of the depraved nature that they had. It is with us in the same measure as it was with them.

Perhaps 1 Corinthians 10:9 is also of special interest regarding this study: “Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.” Christ had not as yet been manifested in the flesh at that time, so what does this mean? The fiery serpents were sent after the people who were discouraged because of the way and complained about the manna. The Israelites gathered their manna in the morning before the sun became hot and were commanded to gather enough for the need of each day.

The manna was a type of Christ; He described himself as “the bread of life” (John 6:35, 48, 51). At least one lesson hidden in the example of these verses could be that instead of complaining and negativity, we should diligently rise each morning and feed our souls for the day. Just as our bodies are more susceptible to disease when our health is weakened, the fiery serpents of frustration, impatience, offense, and deception strike us when our inner man is weakened through a loathing of the “manna,” God’s provision for our welfare (Num. 21:5). Becoming lukewarm as a result of feeding on things other than the Bread of Life opens the door to many ills.

We should not think that we are fundamentally a better grade of humans than the Israelites were or consider ourselves to be above the temptations they were ensnared with.

Practical Truths for Today

Without question, we will be tempted. There is a battle to be fought, and true believers throughout the ages have recognized that we shall not be automatically transported to heaven with little or no effort.

Are we powerless before the steady pressure of our depraved nature and the enticement of the devil? The Scripture’s answer is a resounding no. We must not accept the current, watered-down version of the gospel that makes provision for the flesh, cheapens the grace of God, and denies the power of the gospel that is available by faith and obedience.

First, we must consciously choose who will truly be our master. A willful, continuing decision to follow Jesus will help open the door of God’s grace and power in our lives. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Josh. 24:15); we cannot serve two masters. An effort to have one foot in the world and one in the church in order to reap the benefits of both is clearly attempting the impossible and will only produce frustration and instability.

The devil loves dialogue and will undoubtedly use it to his advantage. When we consider and dwell upon the appeal of a temptation, he will exploit the opportunity to its fullest. Often, he appeals to reason and will always be the stronger in an intellectual discussion.

The uncommitted will consider, but the committed do not long linger, thus depriving the devil of the opportunity to point out the allure of forbidden fruit. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you,” we often quote, but remember, the precondition that makes this possible is the first part of the same verse: “Submit yourselves therefore to God” (James 4:7). Inside of the commitment of being submitted to God, we will be able to ponder the direction we are going and “make straight paths for [our] feet” (Heb. 12:13). By knowing our weaknesses, we can set up safeguards for ourselves. Some may lift up God’s grace and argue that these protective barriers are man-made legalism, but if we are resolved to live a life of purity and holiness at any cost, their value becomes apparent. Moreover, the Scripture teaches that God gives discernment of right and wrong and the strength needed to turn the battle at the gate (Isa. 28:6) not after the enemy has brought the battle inside but at the gate, before sin has corrupted our heart and stolen our peace. If God has given us freedom of choice and will not override it, then neither is the devil able to force open the gate of our heart and control us without our consent. The gate latch is in our hands. The evil one remains thwarted in his efforts until we are drawn away by our own lust (James 1:14).

According to the 13th verse of our lesson scripture, all of our temptations are “common.” Does this statement create resistance in your heart? Some may be tempted to think their personal temptations are exclusive and especially difficult; therefore, there is more room for yielding to the flesh. If we are committed to godliness though, this verse is rather an encouragement.

Jesus said that all power is given unto Him in heaven and in earth. He has power on earth over the devil, our flesh, our past, our baggage and hang-ups, and our besetting sins and temptations. He has power in heaven to intercede with the Father for those who serve Him. The Scripture tells us that He was tempted like we are. This helps us to believe that He understands us and will help us when we are tempted.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).

Questions

1. Is there ever an excuse for falling in sin?
2. What is a presumptuous sin? (Ps. 19:13).
3. How open should we be with all of our temptations?
4. What might have happened if Eve would have shared her temptation with Adam before she partook of the forbidden fruit? Could there be a lesson in this for us?

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).