Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian doctrine, the concept of temptation is a significant theme, reflecting the trials and challenges believers face in their spiritual journey. The assurance that God will not allow His saints to be tempted beyond their capacity is a comforting promise found in Scripture, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the provision of His grace.Biblical Foundation The primary scriptural reference for this assurance is found in 1 Corinthians 10:13 : "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it." This verse underscores the universality of temptation, the faithfulness of God, and His provision of a way out, ensuring that believers can endure the trials they face. Nature of Temptation Temptation, in the biblical sense, often refers to the enticement to sin or to stray from God's commandments. It can manifest in various forms, including desires of the flesh, pride, and worldly attractions. The Bible acknowledges that temptation is a common experience for all humans, as seen in James 1:14 : "But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed." God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness The assurance that God will not allow His saints to be tempted beyond their ability is rooted in His sovereignty and faithfulness. God's omniscience ensures that He is fully aware of each believer's strengths and weaknesses. His faithfulness guarantees that He will not abandon His children in their time of need. This divine oversight is a testament to God's intimate involvement in the lives of His people, as He orchestrates circumstances to refine and strengthen their faith. Provision of Escape The promise of an escape route in times of temptation is a critical aspect of God's provision. This escape may come in various forms, such as the strength to resist, the wisdom to avoid compromising situations, or the support of fellow believers. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding and empowering believers to recognize and take the escape route provided by God. Role of the Believer While God provides the means to endure and escape temptation, the believer's responsibility is to remain vigilant and reliant on God's strength. Ephesians 6:11 exhorts believers to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This involves a proactive approach to spiritual warfare, including prayer, studying Scripture, and maintaining fellowship with other believers. Examples from Scripture The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who faced temptation and relied on God's provision to overcome it. Jesus Christ, during His time in the wilderness, resisted the devil's temptations by quoting Scripture and relying on His relationship with the Father (Matthew 4:1-11). Similarly, Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife, choosing to honor God rather than succumb to sin (Genesis 39:7-12). Conclusion The assurance that God will not allow His saints to be tempted beyond their capacity is a profound testament to His love and faithfulness. It encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to actively engage in their spiritual growth, knowing that they are never alone in their struggles against temptation. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 10:13There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "Alas for Us, if Thou Wert All, and Nought Beyond, O Earth" On the Opposing Powers. Touching a Special Sort of Internal Prayer Prescribed by Antonio ... section v. Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ... On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ... How Internal Livers Ought to Behave Themselves in Time of Sickness ... Of the Most Bitter Kind of Scrupulosity Touching Confession. ... Counsels and Reminiscences of Soeur Therese, the Little Flower of ... The Condescension of Christ Resources Is temptation a sin? Is it a sin to be tempted? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to flee from temptation? | GotQuestions.org Why is sexual temptation a bigger problem for men than for women? | GotQuestions.org Temptation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Temptation: Abraham Leads Pharaoh Temptation: Always Conformable to the Nature of Man Temptation: Balak Tempts Balaam Temptation: Blessedness of Those Who Meet and Overcome Temptation: Christ is Able to Help Those Under Temptation: Christ Keeps Faithful Saints from the Hour of Temptation: Christ: Endured, from the Devil Temptation: Christ: Endured, from the Wicked Temptation: Christ: Intercedes for his People Under Temptation: Christ: Resisted by the Word of God Temptation: Christ: Sympathises With Those Under Temptation: Comes From: Covetousness Temptation: Does not Come from God Temptation: Evil Associates, the Instruments of Temptation: General Scriptures Concerning Temptation: Gideon Leads the People of Israel Into Sin Temptation: God Cannot be the Subject of Temptation: God Enables the Saints to Bear Temptation: God Knows How to Deliver Saints out of Temptation: God Will Make a Way for Saints to Escape out of Temptation: God Will not Suffer Saints to be Exposed To, Beyond Their Temptation: Has Strength Through the Weakness of the Flesh Temptation: Jeroboam Leads the Northern Kingdom (Israel) Into Temptation: Leading Into: Prayer Against Being Led Into Temptation: Mere Professors Fall Away in Time of Temptation: Often Arises Through: Poverty Temptation: Often Arises Through: Prosperity Temptation: Often Arises Through: Worldly Glory Temptation: Often Ends in Sin and Perdition Temptation: Often Strengthened by the Perversion of God's Word Temptation: Permitted As a Trial of Disinterestedness Temptation: Permitted As a Trial of Faith Temptation: Saints May be in Heaviness Through Temptation: Saints should Avoid the Way of Temptation: Saints should not to Occasion, to Others Temptation: Saints should Pray to be Kept From Temptation: Saints should Resist, in Faith Temptation: Saints should Restore Those Overcome By Temptation: Saints should Watch Against Temptation: The Devil is the Author of Temptation: The Devil Will Renew Temptation: The Old Prophet of Beth-El, the Prophet of Judah Temptation: To Distrust of God's Providence Temptation: To Worshipping the God of This World Temptation: Yielding to Adam and Eve Temptation: Yielding to Balaam Temptation: Yielding to David, to Commit Adultery Temptation: Yielding to Hezekiah Temptation: Yielding to Isaac, to Lie Temptation: Yielding to Jacob, to Defraud Esau Temptation: Yielding to Sarah, to Lie Temptation: Yielding to Solomon, to Become an Idolater Through the Influences of his Wives Temptation: Yielding to The Prophet of Judah Temptation: Yielding to To Count the Nation of Israel Related Terms |