Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Confidence”
Our Bible verse for today: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “Have confidence in God to help you withstand temptation.”
Today you are going to be tempted. Not once and not twice, but many times. Some of those temptations may be big, most will be small, but they will all require strength of character and discipline to resist.
The problem is that we are often weak in the face of temptation. This is an individual issue which varies considerably from person to person. Something that is very tempting to me might not be a problem for you, and visa-versa. I have a sweet tooth and find it difficult to resist ice cream, donuts, and jelly beans. But a big juicy steak appeals to me not at all. For one person alcohol holds no attraction but for another, take that first sip and he will soon be gutter-crawling drunk.
So when it comes to resisting temptation we must first of all know our weaknesses and then take steps to protect ourselves. If I need to lay off the donuts then I need to bypass the parking spot right in front of the donut shop.
But even still, I have little confidence in my own ability to be strong in the face of temptations. I need more than just my own will power – much more. Fortunately, God provides the strength that I lack. That is what Paul was writing about in 1 Corinthians 10:13.
First, he tells us that we will never be faced with any temptation that isn’t common to all people. You’re not the only one dealing with this issue. Second, God will never allow us to be faced with any temptation that we are not able to withstand. No matter how strong the pull seems, it will not be more than we can bear. Third, and this is the key, God Himself will show us a way of escape from the power of that temptation. We just have to turn to Him and ask Him to show us the way out. And then we have to take it.
When it comes to resisting temptation my confidence cannot be in myself and in the strength of my own willpower. If it is, no donut in Cumberland County Tennessee is safe from me. My confidence is in God and in the power of His promise. He will always provide a way out. I just need to ask for it, look for it, and then take it. That’s true for you too.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 