Notes of Faith October 7, 2026
The Way of Escape
No 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 bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
We read the story of the Hebrew slaves coming out of Egypt as history. But the apostle Paul told the Corinthians that within the story there is found an example—an example for us about the dangers of yielding to temptation (1 Corinthians 10:6-11).
The Israelites had the opportunity to avoid sin in the wilderness, but they failed to take advantage of it. Paul warned the Corinthians to be careful: If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall (verse 12). We, like the Israelites in the wilderness, will be tempted to sin. Also like the Israelites, God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to endure but will provide a way of escape. It is up to us to take the way of escape that He provides.
Do not be surprised when you face temptation; every person is tempted. Look immediately for the way of escape God has provided.
James 1:13-18
3 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
Since I receive and must battle temptation and believe that I am not the “Lone Ranger”, it only makes sense to me that you must be drawn into battles of your own. Memorizing scriptures like 1 Corinthians 10:13 will give you strength and a sword with which to fight. We will not win in our own power, but the power of God is always victorious. We must use what God has given us in His Word and through His Spirit to win every battle. May you experience victory today in Christ!
Pastor Dale