Beginning with Christ: Part 3 (Assurance of Victory Over Sin)
What to do when struggling with a tough temptation
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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.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
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A lot of people get the wrong message from this verse.
Many believe that it shows them that “God won’t ever give you more than you can handle.” Which sounds nice, but is flat out wrong.
Whether God allows me to overwhelm myself or even gives me situations where I am overwhelmed, I find myself often getting more than I can handle. And there’s no such promise in the Bible.
What this promises is that God won’t allow us to be tempted to sin without giving us an escape.
Situations ≠ Temptation
Whenever I’m facing a tough temptation, here’s what I do:
1. Slow down and take a deep breath.
2. Pray that God would help me and show me His escape.
3. Look for a way to change my environment (i.e., go somewhere else or do something else).
4. Quote some Scripture I’ve memorized.
Sometimes I fail to do this, sometimes I succeed.
But I know, because of this verse, that anytime I call out to God to show me the way out from temptation, He promises to help me escape.
What a good Father we have looking out for us.
— Ricky Ketchum
P.S. If you want a deeper dive in the Lessons on Assurance, NavPress publishes a book by that name. I’ve found it helpful and encourage you to grab a copy for yourself.
Copyright © 2025 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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