Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 10:12-13.

 

“¹²  Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.

 

¹³  No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man;  and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”  1 Corinthians 10:12-13.

 

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Many of us have been a believer as long as we can remember.  We grew up in a Christian family, attended a Christian school, and were in church almost every Sunday, some twice on Sundays.  And now, we not only read the Bible and hear good preaching every week if not every day;  we preach and teach.  We are in a cocoon surrounded by good Christian family and friends.   

 

We may think:  “I am not tempted, and even if I become tempted, I can easily resist!”  But, we must realize that just because we may not be tempted much now, it does not mean that we will not later be tempted.  Like Jesus, we may face temptation when we are particularly tired, weak, and hungry. 

 

And, many of us first think as temptations as just either sexual temptations or alcohol/drugs temptations.  We may think:  “I don’t drink or do drugs at all!  I don’t cheat on my wife!”  But, we must remember that there are many other types of temptations.   

 

And so, today’s Scripture begins with this warning:  “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”  Verse 12.  “… Do not be conceited, but fear;”  Romans 11:20.   

 

“Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation;  the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Mark 14:38

 

“Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness;  each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.”  Galatians 6:1

 

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”  1 Peter 5:8

 

Our Reformed Doctrine belief in “Total Depravity” can help us.  When we truly believe that our “background” is “Total Depravity”, such a belief will lead us away from conceit and into fear.  Such a belief will cause us to keep watching and praying so that we do not come into temptation.  Such a belief recognizes  that the flesh is weak. 

 

Today’s Scripture does not leave us in fear.  Today’s Scripture provides hope.  “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man;  and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”  Verse 13.

 

Let us first meditate on the commonness of temptation.  We may panic, thinking:  “I am the only one that faces this very unusual temptation.  There is no hope!”  Today’s Scripture refutes that thought, and we can take comfort from the knowledge that we are not alone facing an unusual temptation.  Trusted brothers and sisters in the Lord (who have faced similar temptations) can help us.  They can testify and assure us:  “I likewise was tempted, but God indeed helped me endure the temptation!  God indeed provided the way of escape!  God will do the same for you!“

 

Let us meditate on the resistable nature of temptations.  We may panic, thinking:  “I can not resist this temptation.  It is Satan versus me!  The temptation is too strong!  There is no hope!”  Today’s Scripture refutes that thought.  God “will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”  Verse 13.

 

And, there is also other help!    

 

Let us meditate on the fruit of the Spirit which includes “self-control”.  And, there is more than the fruit of self-control.  Each fruit fights against temptation!  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;  against such things there is no law.  Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”  Galatians 5:22-24.  “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”  Galatians 5:16. 

 

Generally, God’s grace is sufficient.  “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”  2 Corinthians 12:9

 

Specifically, God “will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”  Endure the temptation, knowing that help is “on the way”.  Look for that specific way of escape!  When it comes to mind, don’t turn your attention and lightly dismiss it, but rather, immediately jump into that way of escape! 

 

In conclusion, when you are on that way of escape, you will be encouraged and refreshed finding that the devil flees from you.  “Submit therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  James 4:7  And when the devil leaves you, you will find that like the experience of Jesus, you will receive additional care. “Then the devil *left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.”  Matthew 4:11.