I Corinthians 10: Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 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.
This is basic, fundamental Christian learning that we need constantly. Never be weary of the basic subjects in the Word. We’re faced with so many spiritual battles in these days. These verses are eye opening and soul searching. With everything we’re faced with I’m glad there is an escape. There is an alternative.
There was a commercial many years ago that told kids to “just say no.” There is a choice. Is this too elementary? It is not. The only way we have overcome so far is by the power and help of our Savior. Jesus said when we pray we are to say “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” We are not alone. The devil likes to intimidate us. He wants us to believe the majority are not with us. We’re faced with the deception of the devil. We think no one else is going through what we are. Jesus reminds us that no temptation taken you but such as is common to man. Satan uses the same tactics on us all. Temptations may be different but he knows how to work and deceive. He’ll say give in because nobody else has gone through this.
I can’t imagine going 40 days without food. Jesus was in the wilderness fasting and praying. He was not alone. The tempter came, but Jesus knew where his Father was. He knew what would defeat the devil. He willingly allowed himself to be tempted. He drew upon the Word in his heart, not his own power. He overcame in the flesh using the sword of the Word of the Lord. The devil can’t do anything with the Bible. That’s why it’s important for us to know it.
God takes care of us in our wildernesses as he did Jesus. I don’t even recognize America anymore. This scripture covers it. Think of the ways the children of Israel sinned on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It took 40 years for them to get there when it could have taken only a month or two. They couldn’t keep it together. They began to doubt. Instead of trusting the Lord they began to be tempted with anything and everything.
God doesn’t tempt us but he does test us. When you take your car for the yearly inspection you never know what they might find. We find from our own testing where we stand. God knows but it’s a lesson for us. Do we need a “headlight” or a “set of brakes”? Is anything wrong on the inside? God knows and uses testing to show us.
Before we were saved the tempter was there. Wicked has increased so much in the past few years, to the point of probably the lowest the world has ever been. Christians and Christianity are considered the enemies. Everything up to verse 12 is how Israel did on the journey. Many didn’t make it. God told Moses to get the mixed bunch out. You don’t have to go along. In the year that Methuselah died the flood came afterward. God had laid out plans to get the godly out through Noah. God has given us the option. Don’t say it’s too much. We face a lot. It makes me thankful for verse 13. 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. Write it down and keep it with you.
You’ll be able to resist with God’s way. Guess who will run away—the devil. He did when Jesus used the Word on him. If the wicked want to go to hell, they will. BUT we’re a winner either way!
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 