Only what is Common

Well, since yesterday's post, I've learned a few more things. I read Mariah's blog from a few days ago shortly after posting and it had some great insight into this issue and tonight an old friend that had fallen away from the Lord spoke at my small group about how the Lord has turned his life around and said something that hit home on this too. In case you hadn't read my previous post, this issue I am currently exploring is whether or not it is possible to find freedom from a temptation here on earth. There are areas in my life, and in each of your's I am sure, that we constantly have to fight with, so is there rest for the weary or will we have to keep living with the temptation moment to moment til we arrive at the pearly gates?

Mariah brought up the passage in Romans were Paul says that even though he wants to do what is right he still finds himself doing the things he doesn't want to do (Romans 7:14-25). So, even Paul struggled with temptation. I also noticed in 1st Corinthians 10:13 Paul says that "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 a way out so that you can stand up under it." So, even though we may have to live with temptation, not only is it the same kind of thing everyone deals with, but there is always a way out. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness! Think of that! Always a way out, He will never allow us to be tempted by more than we can handle. This also indicates that God isn't doing the tempting (see also James 1:13-17) but that He is giving us opportunity to choose Him instead of our old way of life. It's like giving a spelling quiz to someone with a word bank to choose from. We can do it! sometimes it may not be quite as easy as that, but God has provided us with the tools we need to work through the trial and persevere (also a topic in James 1).


I may never be free from the temptation to use my body selfishly, but I can be assured by the fact that I have the power, through the Holy Spirit living inside of me, that I can overcome. We are MORE THAN CONQUERERS! So let's nip Satan in the bud!


Let me hear what you think about all this, I seem to have found some answers, but do agree? disagree? have more information to help me better understand? Don't hold back! Let's grow together!