It Is Written

“If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

When we hear stories like the pastor of some prominent church or ministry having an extramarital affair with the church secretary, we wonder, “How could that happen? Shouldn’t a pastor know better? How does someone who knows better fall into sin?”

Temptation can be subtle. It sneaks up on us sometimes like a snake in the grass. We give in to a little temptation and then a little more and then a little more until we find ourselves in over our heads. That’s why Paul says, “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.”

Everyone is tempted. Even Jesus was tempted. But our faithful God won’t allow you to be tempted beyond your ability to stand. He won’t allow you to be painted into a corner. He will show you a way out. It’s completely up to you whether you’re going to take the exit. 

Jesus was tempted with the same things we are tempted with. His way out was the Word of God. He defeated temptation with three little words, “It is written.” Every time Satan came at Him, he referred to the unchanging, steadfast Word of God. God’s Word is the truth that guides our lives and leads us away from temptation. 

When temptation sneaks up on you like a snake in the grass, turn your focus on the truth of God’s Word. Take the exit. Defeat temptation with those same three little words: “It is written.”