Posted in Devotions

I Corinthians 10 Part 2–Facing temptation

We have all been there! You are following the Lord and singing your favorite worship song when, “BAM” you are hit out of nowhere with what seems to be a completely overwhelming and unexpected temptation. It smacks you square in the face. That temptation may be a donut dropping from heaven, a flash sale at the mall, opportunity to lie, cheat,  or steal! It could simply be the chance to spread gossip or be hateful to a perfectly nice person.

Reality is that temptation seems to come out of nowhere.  But that is not the truth.  Temptation is a result of issues you deal with every day.  For some, the temptation happens because they have an issue that stands between them and God. Rather than give those issues over, they think, “I can handle this!”.  Sadly, often times, they can and will not. Others face temptation because they are striving to be all that God has called them to be. The enemy hates that and will launch armies to stop it. The great news is that God knows we are tempted.  Jesus, himself was tempted in the desert by Satan.  The Master immediately went back to Scripture to stand firm under the temptation.

Biblical vector illustration series, the temptation of Jesus Christ

Paul reminds us that we will be tempted.  We have to cling to the fact that we will not be tempted beyond what we are able to bear.  Additionally, God provides us a way out, so we can turn away from the temptation, we just have to focus upon Him and not upon the temptation.  It is not an easy thing.  Especially as you grow closer to the Lord.  Satan wants to minimize or nullify our impact.  He will pull out all stops to take God’s people down.

When you are tempted, You must refocus on God, on prayer and on His word.  You can also have a partner to keep you accountable.  That person is your safe place to come, free of judgement to stand with you in the fight. The most important thing is to know you do not have to fight alone. Hide in God’s word, have an accountability partner, and recognize that you are not alone, and this is not an unusual thing.  We are at war.  Stand firm, put on the armor and turn to the Lord and his people to face the battle.

God Bless You


12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

14 So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols. 15 You are reasonable people. Decide for yourselves if what I am saying is true. 16 When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ? 17 And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body. 18 Think about the people of Israel. Weren’t they united by eating the sacrifices at the altar?

19 What am I trying to say? Am I saying that food offered to idols has some significance, or that idols are real gods? 20 No, not at all. I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to God. And I don’t want you to participate with demons. 21 You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too. 22 What? Do we dare to rouse the Lord’s jealousy? Do you think we are stronger than he is?

23 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”[d]—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. 24 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.

25 So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”[e]

27 If someone who isn’t a believer asks you home for dinner, accept the invitation if you want to. Eat whatever is offered to you without raising questions of conscience. 28 (But suppose someone tells you, “This meat was offered to an idol.” Don’t eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you. 29 It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.) For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks? 30 If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it?

31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles[f] or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

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This is an amazing Journey. I hope you will hear from the Lord, as you seek Him with your heart. Matthew 6:33

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