No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he

will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also

provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Three LIES about temptation

• NO ONE ELSE GOES THROUGH WHAT I’M GOING THROUGH

• THE TEMPTATION IS TOO STRONG FOR ME TO RESIST

• THERE IS NO WAY OUT… EXCEPT TO GIVE IN…

Has no one gone through

WHAT you’re GOING

THROUGH?Read what Paul says writing to Corinthian church:

“Remember our history, friends, and be warned. 1. All our ancestors were led by the providential Cloud and

taken miraculously through the Sea. 2. They went through the waters, in a baptism like ours, as

Moses led them from enslaving death to salvation life. 3. They all ate and drank identical food and drink, meals

provided daily by God. 4. They drank from the Rock, God’s fountain for them that

stayed with them wherever they were. And the Rock was Christ.

But just experiencing God’s wonder and grace didn’t seem to mean much—most of them were defeated by temptation during the hard times in the desert, and God was not pleased”

Why is Paul writing

about those times?

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us. 1 Corinthians 10:11

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

1. This is an attempt to justify their sin because of their special circumstances.– This is destructive because it leads a person into sinning instead of

resisting temptation– This is destructive because if someone doesn’t think they’re guilty they

won’t confess. “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.” - 1 John 1:9

2. They will be reluctant to seek help from other believers– One of the major functions of the church is to be an encouragement to

each other. We need to “encourage each other and build each other up,… Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone” - 1 Thessalonians 5:11,14

– A Church ought to provides you a spiritual friend to share about your temptations in order to “try to build each other up” - Romans 14:19

What’s wrong with thinking that no else has gone through what you’re going through?

CASE 1YES, when we were once enslaved to sin

– No opportunity to be free– Couldn’t help but sin– In fact, it was our very nature to sin

CASE 2NO, not now because we are redeemed from sin. We “all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” Romans 3:24 & “you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed” - 1 Peter 1:18

God knows your breaking point, so you are not tempted beyond you can resist. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Is your temptation too strong for you to resist?

&

Do you think that there is no way out, except to give in?

WAY OUT 1Joseph was a strikingly handsome man. His master’s wife became infatuated with Joseph and one day said, “Sleep with me.” Joseph’s response: How could I …sin against God? – Genesis 39:6-9

WAY OUT 2Joseph Ran: aggressive resistance is the only logical way - Genesis 39:11-15

The Process of SANCTIFICATION1. Temptations equip you with endurance2. Temptations strengthen our resistance3. Temptations teach you to depend on

God: You need to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” – Hebrews 4:16

4. God proves that He is faithful to His promise

Why should God allow temptation in first place?

Three TRUTHS about temptation

• Temptation is common to everyone

• God will not put you in a situation where you have to give in

• He will make a way so you can endure

What’s your response?

Do you still find excuses or try a way-out?