A Way of Escape
How do we escape temptation?
, by Emmanuel Higgins
To the battered, tempest-tossed Christian, a loving God gives this promise:
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]. " - 1. Corinthians 10:13
No temptation will ever come that God hasn't weighed, measured, and allowed. In every temptation, no matter how difficult it seems, He has provide a way of escape. What an encouraging thought! No matter the circumstances, or how weak we may feel!
However, what is this way of escape? What enables us to escape from temptation?
First what comes to my mind is obvious, tangible things. I think of Joseph when he was being tempted by Potiphar's wife, the way of escape for him was to flee the temptation. To "make no provision for the flesh", and avoid placing ourselves in the way of temptation is one way to look at the way of escape.
But just recently, another thought was impressed on my mind as I was reading the following verse from 2 Peter.
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." - 2 Peter 1:4
What's happening in the last part of this verse? It's speaking of those who have escaped worldly corruption that comes through lust. Our lusts, or desires, are the principle object Satan targets his temptations for. He entices our appetites through food, he entices us through our desires for companionship, pleasure and display.
We read this in James:
"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." - James 1:14-15
Now, according to 2 Peter 1:4, what is the way of escape from the corruption that comes through lust?
Read the verse again...
The way of escape is through the "exceeding great and precious promises". It is by standing on the powerful word of God, amid the temptation that enables us to gain the victory!
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, he met the tempter with an "It is written". Jesus used scripture as the way of escape in temptation. And how are we to overcome? Just as Christ overcame!
Through the word of God, through those exceeding great and precious promises, we become a partaker of the divine nature. In this mysterious union, God, through the ministration of the Holy Spirit, dwells in our hearts, bringing to our remembrance the promises of God and giving us the strength we need to stand against the temptations.
When we can recite a scripture, relevant to the situation, and trust in the power of God to help us overcome, the power of that temptation will be broken.
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." - Psalms 119:11
So dear reader, I would encourage you to spend more time studying God's word, dig deep into the treasure house of truth. Don't let anything eclipse your love for the Bible, and for Bible study. The word of God will be your safeguard and way of escape in temptations.
10 Comment(s)
I am faced with the temptation of lust and your divine instruction has given me a courage to handle it. my faith is lifted.Thanks
I am greatly blessed by article praise the Lord Jesus Christ!
Very refreshing which I much needed and restoration from God is what I seek now.
I just loved this sharing! It's such a GREAT revelation!! Thanks and blessings!
I just loved this sharing! It's such a GREAT révélation!! Thanks and blessings!
Lust is a very powerful tool of Satan and he uses it skillfully! One of the things that i have noticed about our enemy satan is he tempts us and when he see's that we are gaining ground and victory he will back off so we will in our minds relax. We will start enjoy to bliss of victory and let down our guard then when the devil notices that we have let down our guard in certain areas of our lives then comes right back full force again. The key that has helped me alot is we know that when we wake up unless your a third shifter at work then go home go to bed then wake up and do your Lord and you time. Anyway after you have prayed and read and studied Gods words then just meditate on a bible verse throughout the day. I also have personal principles which i stand by the first principle is"If God is against this than so am i". Everytime a bad thought come to mind its important to stop that thought and and repeat God is against this so am i and change your thoughts to something good really fast because once the thoughts of evil come in we start thinking about it and then it becomes a monster that we can beat. Throughout you day. Go to 10 principles reformer unanimous on your google search you will find other great principles but i would definitely remind yourself of this principle everyday throughout the day just to keep if fresh and make it a habit.
These past few days ,I have felt a great need for God's love. i feel god is calling me. I've been living in the world and in sin, no matter how many times I've promised I would leave the world behind, for my salvation, my sanity ,for God , I've jst always gone back to temptation of lust ,i am married and ive been in a few serious relationships but matter how many serious relationships I've been in , i jst can't seem to stay faithful in my mind and heart. I woke up in the middle of the nIght ,i had a dream ,that I was in a dark room I couldnt see anything but i felt a presence a dark presence a terrifying presence I couldn't escape I had nowhere to turn it was jst all around me ,i woke up and couldn't fall back to sleep. It's been a long time that I've picked up the bible ,the word of God. Since I even picked up the bible I feel a Sense of relief and piece . I feel a presence of good and love.lust has always been in my world lust for men ,lust for beauty ,food attention , bad attention at that .I know deep down inside that all the lust I've always felt has, been the down ward spirals of my heart, soul ,will power and mental stability ,my love,my life. I know what I need in my heart, soul ,mind, my world ,not the worlds world. I need Gods word in my life . I don't want to be scared of god ,ive been scared of him all my life and the world and everything it has to offer has been the easiest way out . Ive strayed away from god 956percent of my life but no matter how many times ive come back ,i quickly feel safe ,I know where im supposed to be. I pray that the world fades into the background away from me and away from all.
There is Power in the words I just read. Ive been defeated over and over again from the lust of the flesh. Havent been able to win this battle over my flesh.
its very bad .........''''''/
Wow...dis gem is really encouraging.may GOD give u more auction 2 function