Tag: enduring temptation
Enduring temptation in the last days
Scripture reading for September 7th: Isaiah 36-37, Psalm 123, 1st Corinthians 10
1st Corinthians 10: 9-13 “We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Paul warned the believers in Corinth against the temptations of the last days. He pointed them to the Israelites of the Old Testament and what was recorded in the Scriptures. These stories of unfaithfulness and backsliding serve as examples for us. God had them written down to warn us to be watchful and to stand firm. He also provides a way of escape with each temptation. With sexual immorality, we are to use our feet to avoid defeat! With grumbling and testing Christ, we are to practice thanksgiving, prayer and simple and pure devotion to Christ. God will be faithful to keep us and give us escape when we walk by faith.
Psalm 123:1-3 “To You I lift up my eyes, O You Who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, and the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till He has mercy upon us.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the examples and warning that You have graciously provided in the written Word of God to warn and encourage us. Thank You for Your faithfulness to Your people to give them pathways of escape from temptation common to believers. Help those today who are in sexual temptation to escape. Give Your people thankful hearts that are fully committed to follow You.
Isaiah 36:15-17 “And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, “O Lord of Hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; You have made heaven and earth. Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God.”