This sermon takes the issue of temptation which was partially covered on Jan. 7 when we introduced the issues in 1 Corinthians 10:13 and expands is with more detailed exegesis and application which also includes verse 14. Taking up the issue of the reality of the fall in Genesis 3 which means that temptation is common to all humans. It is “man-like.”

The pressures of life confront all Christians and serve as tests in the manner that the wilderness generation in Exodus was tested by the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). 1 Corinthians 10 draws on the experiences and lessons of Israel who had been delivered from Egypt by the Lord and given provisions in the wilderness. The promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13 is that God will not allow us to be tempted in such a manner that there is no way of escape.

I claim that this way of escape is relational and involves trusting God who saves and keeps us. We do not need to lean on secret knowledge or special techniques, but to cry to the Lord who will rescue us. There is an “exit path”.

 In the case of the wilderness generation, God used Moses to bring needed provision in each case: manna, water from the rock, drinkable water from bitter, the bronze serpent when the snakes bit the rebels and so forth God provided. However, this always meant trusting the faithful, covenant keeping God and His provisions.

The faithfulness of God never changes. For the Corinthians, the issue was the idolatry and immorality of the pagan temples in Corinth. Some Corinthians Christians were claiming freedom to partake in the immoral, pagan services. Paul says, “Flee idolatry.”

Some situations are so incompatible with one’s covenant relationship with God, to flee is the only viable option. That is the exit path. We have examples from the Old Testament and from Jesus’ temptation as part of our applications.