How to Overcome Temptations Common to Man

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10: 13, 21

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. ¹³No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to ^[d]bear it.(13) You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.(21)

Scripture Commentary:

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can handle. But when you are tempted, God will provide a way out if you call on Him.

Paul tells us there is a battle going on with the flesh and the spirit. He isn’t referring to our physical flesh; he is referring to our spiritual soul. The natural self wants to do what feels good and easy.

God’s Holy Spirit in you wants you to glorify Him, not yourself.

These two spirits are constantly against one another as long as you live. What Paul is telling us is the flesh (Satan) desires what is contrary to the Holy Spirit (God).

The Spirit of God is contrary to the flesh (Satan). The Holy Spirit inside of you says, “Live for God,” and your flesh says, “Live for yourself.” When we live for God, we submit to Him daily by reading the Bible and call on Him. This is how God nourishes our spirit (our soul).

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

1 Corinthians Chapter 10

Read Other Commentary from the Book of 1 Corinthians:

Where Is the Wise? Search for Wisdom

Can Others See the Temple of God in You?

God Hasn’t Given You A Spirit of Fear

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1: 7, 14

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.(7) That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.(14)

Scripture Commentary:

What in your life keeps you up at night and plagues you during the day? Is it the fear of losing your job, spouse, or health? These are some of the things that may be ricocheting through your mind that refuse to be quieted.

In Psalm 139: 23, David asked God to search his heart for there was something David needed to face. After asking God to search his heart, David prayed, “know my anxious thoughts.” He wanted to share his worst with God.

Why do we fear going to God and exposing ourselves with questions and fears that He already knows about?

There is nothing too big for God. There’s nothing He does not already know. Pray to God. He will reveal what holds you hostage and show you how to deal with it.

What we fear the most often reveals where we trust God the least. Our fears matter because ultimately, our fears show how we’re relying on our own self and not God.

You can’t be driven by fear and please, serve and honor God. You must ask God for help.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scriptures Referenced:

2 Timothy Chapter 1

Psalm 139

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Second Timothy:

Jesus Was Raised From the Dead for You

The Last Days Will Be Terrible

Lift Your Eyes to the Lord

Scripture: Psalm 121: 1-7

I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? ²My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. ³He will not allow your foot to ^[a]be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. ⁴Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.⁵The Lord is your ^[b]keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand.⁶The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night.⁷ The Lord shall ^[c]preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.

Scripture Commentary: I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord.

When you opened your eyes this morning did you thank God for waking you up? When you are asleep, you lose all control of your body function. God, through His Holy Spirit, has taken over.

The psalm expresses assurance and hope in God’s protection day and night.

God, our Father and Creator, loves and protects us when we are most vulnerable, when we cannot protect ourselves. Never trust a lesser power than God Himself! There is nothing that can distract God, who is all powerful, and watches over us 24/7.

We are safe in God’s hands.

From the time we came into the world, God has been our protector. In God’s presence we have peace and protection. This world cannot provide; only God can.

So tonight thank God for this day that He has given you because you won’t see it again. And pray that He watches over you during the night.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Psalm Chapter 121

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Psalms:

The Lord Is My Light

Create In Me A Clean Heart

Don’t Worry That You Don’t Understand Everything

Proverbs 20: 24

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?

Psalm 37: 23-24

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

2 Corinthians 4: 17-18

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Scripture Commentary: We won’t understand everything.

Proverbs 20: 24 tells us not to worry if we do not understand everything as it happens in our lives. It’s easy to be lost and confused when we deal with worldly events. We make plans and maybe they go the way we planned, and maybe not. God’s time table is His, not ours.

Psalm 37: 23 says the person in whom God delights is one who follows God, and puts their trust in Him. If you let Him, God will direct your steps and will not lead you down the wrong path.

The problems that we will have should not diminish our faith.

God is not giving us a bed of roses type of life. If God did, then we will think we don’t need Him. When we see how God pulls us through the mess we create, we realize that only His love, grace and mercy got us through.

Read the Entire Chapters of the Scriptures Referenced:

Proverbs Chapter 20

Psalm Chapter 37

2 Corinthians Chapter 4

Read Other Commentary from the Old Testament:

Serve Only the Lord Your God

Read Other Commentary from the New Testament:

Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?