Paul tells us that this is a universal problem, "…as is common to man." It is the oldest trick in the book. The Bible is an encyclopedia on temptation.

A. No one is immune. Even Jesus faced temptation (Heb. 4:15), yet, without sin.

B. Temptation is the fork in the road. It is the presentation of a choice.

C. Temptation always looks promising, pleasurable, and profitable.

"But God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able."

A. God allows temptation. These are the tests of life. Without tests how could we measure our maturity in Christ? How would a lost world know that there is "Victory in Jesus?" God is glorified when we endure temptation.

B. God limits temptation. He knows the limits of your endurance.

C. God will deliver you from temptation’s snares. He has already provided a way of escape. The escape hatch is nearby. The Greek word for escape in I Corinthians had the connotation of a narrow passage out of a treacherous canyon. The window of deliverance may seem small, but it is large enough.

A. Recognize the danger! "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." Always be on your guard. Avoid spiritual presumption!

B. Rely on God! Jesus said, "Watch and pray, lest you fall into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak," Matt. 26:41. When we worship and walk with God it makes it more difficult for temptation to find a foothold. Illus. When I have feasted on a wonderful meal, Satan’s delicacies do not appeal to me as much.

C. Resist the devil! "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you, James 4:7. How? Use the Sword of the Spirit and the Word of God. Walk in the Spirit and put on the whole armor of God, Eph. 6.

D. Retreat/Run! The Bible tells us to flee…

1. Idolatry, I Cor. 10:14

2. Immorality, I Cor. 6:18, II Tim. 2: 22

3. Greed, I Tim. 6:10-11

E. Remove Temptations Opportunities! Proverbs 4:14-15, "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away." Paul said "Make no provision for the flesh," Romans 13:14

F. Resolve To Take The High Road. We choose the roads we travel. Build the inner man. The submarine Thresher went too deep into the sea and collapsed under the pressure of the ocean. The steel bulkhead was not enough, yet small fish swim there. How? They have an internal pressure that perfectly corresponds to the pressure outside. We have a power inside us to withstand life’s pressures! It is the inner man. 1

1. David Jeremiah, Slaying The Giants In our Life (Nashville, TN, 2001), 98-102.

Beneath The Surface; Steering Clear of the Dangers That Could Leave You Shipwrecked, Bob Record, Broadman & Holeman, 2002. A tremendous book!