“There hath 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 ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Introduction
Temptation is a daily reality for every Christian. Coming to Christ does not remove temptation; rather, it brings the believer into open conflict with sin, the flesh, and the devil. Scripture never hides this truth. Instead, it explains why temptation exists, how it works, and how the Christian is commanded to overcome it. Victory over temptation is not optional—it is part of the Christian walk and a mark of spiritual maturity.
What temptation is
Temptation is the pull toward sin. It is not sin itself, but the invitation to disobey God. Scripture makes a clear distinction between being tempted and giving in to temptation.
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” (James 1:13)
Temptation appeals to desires already present in fallen human nature. It often promises pleasure, relief, power, or satisfaction, while hiding its true cost. Sin is always presented as attractive, reasonable, or justified—but its end is always damage and separation from God.
Why Christians face temptation
Because they still live in the flesh
Though believers are saved, they still live in mortal bodies. The flesh retains sinful desires that must be resisted.
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.” (Galatians 5:17)
The Christian life is not passive. It is a daily struggle between the old nature and the new life in Christ.
Because they live in a fallen world
The world system is built on values opposed to God—pride, greed, lust, and self-rule.
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” (1 John 2:15)
Christians are surrounded by influences that normalize sin and pressure them to compromise truth.What temptation is
Temptation is the pull toward sin. It is not sin itself, but the invitation to disobey God. Scripture makes a clear distinction between being tempted and giving in to temptation.
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” (James 1:13)
Temptation appeals to desires already present in fallen human nature. It often promises pleasure, relief, power, or satisfaction, while hiding its true cost. Sin is always presented as attractive, reasonable, or justified—but its end is always damage and separation from God.
Because they have an enemy
Satan actively seeks to destroy faith and obedience.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
The devil targets believers precisely because they belong to Christ. Temptation is one of his main tools.
Because God allows testing for growth
God never tempts, but He does allow testing to strengthen faith, expose weakness, and produce endurance.
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” (James 1:3)
Testing reveals whether faith is genuine and teaches believers to depend fully on God.
The danger of yielding to temptation
Giving in to temptation is never harmless. Scripture traces a clear path from desire to destruction.
“Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” (James 1:15)
Yielding to temptation leads to:
- Broken fellowship with God
- A wounded conscience
- Loss of spiritual strength
- Harm to others
- A weakened witness before the world
Repeated compromise hardens the heart and dulls sensitivity to truth.
How Christians can resist temptation
By following the example of Christ
Jesus Himself was tempted, yet He never sinned.
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)
Christ resisted temptation with the Word of God, not emotion or argument. “It is written” was His answer every time.
By living in the Word of God
Scripture renews the mind and exposes lies.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)
A believer who neglects Scripture will be easily deceived and spiritually weak.
By walking in the Spirit
Victory over temptation comes through dependence on the Holy Spirit, not self-effort.
“Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)
The Spirit strengthens obedience, produces self-control, and directs the believer away from danger.
By fleeing when necessary
Scripture does not say to argue with temptation—it often says to flee.
“Flee fornication.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)
“Flee also youthful lusts.” (2 Timothy 2:22)
Wisdom recognizes limits and avoids situations that invite sin.
By using the way of escape God provides
God promises that temptation is never without an exit.
“There hath no temptation taken you… but God… will with the temptation also make a way to escape.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
The escape may be prayer, Scripture, accountability, or physical removal from the situation. The responsibility is to take it.
Encouragement for the struggling believer
Failure is not the end. Christ is both Savior and Advocate.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
True repentance restores fellowship and renews strength. Grace is not permission to sin—it is power to overcome it.
Conclusion
Temptation is part of the Christian life, but defeat is not inevitable. God has fully equipped His people to stand firm. Through the Word, the Spirit, prayer, and obedience, believers can resist temptation and walk in victory. As Christ’s return draws nearer, the call to holiness becomes even more urgent. Christians are not called to blend in with the world, but to overcome it through faithful obedience to God.