1 Corinthians 10:11-14 - Temptation

10:11

Paul now explicitly states that these things were written as an example and for our instruction. This is very important for our reading, understanding and application of the Old Testament. In no way does the New Testament do away with the Old Testament. The God of the Old Testament is the same God who is God of the New Testament, His character, purposes and ways have not changed. So we should pay special heed to all that is written in the Old Testament. “On whom the end of the ages has come”, the fulfilment of God’s plans is now upon us, and Paul argues that because that has happened the Old Testament is all the more relevant and important.

10:12

There are two dangers with temptation. One is complacency, not taking things seriously. We find this in the “God will forgive me anyway” mentality, and there seems to have been something of this attitude in the Corinthian church. The Old Testament is full of warnings and instances where God judges the people for not trusting and obeying Him. Disobedience had severe consequences. Things have not changed! It matters how we live, it matters in whom we put our trust.

10:13,14

The second danger with temptation is defeatism, we can think that there is no chance of us overcoming the temptation. Paul first of all points out that all the temptation we face is common to man. This does not mean we all face exactly the same temptation in exactly the same way, but whatever temptation we may be facing it is no different than others have faced, and probably others are facing. Then we are assured that God will not let us be tempted beyond our ability to resist. This does not mean it will be easy or painless, but it is possible to overcome. Temptation seeks to make us think the battle is pointless because there is no way that we can win, this is not true. God will also provide a way out. Note the last part of the verse “able to endure it”. This “way out” does not mean an easy way out, or a simple escape from temptation. Rather it is the wherewithal to endure it, the ability to overcome.