Four Principles for Life 1 Corinthians 10:13 Principle...
Four Principles for Life
1 Corinthians 10:13
Principle Number One – Remember Our Position
Principle Number Two – Remember Our Provider
Principle Number Three – Remember Our Promise
Principle Number Four – Remember Our Prospect
Principle Number One – Remember Our Position
13No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man;
James 1:2 - 4 (NASB) 2Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:12 (NASB) 12Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Revelation 3:10 (NASB) 10‘Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
you,” but such as is “common to man;” such as you might
reasonably expect, if you considered what you are; a sinner born to die; a sinful inhabitant of a mortal body, liable to numberless inward and outward suffering,” — and where you are; in a shattered, disordered world, surrounded by evil men, and evil spirits. Consider this, and you will not repine at the common but, the general condition of humanity.
“Such as is suited to the nature and circumstances of man; such as every man may reasonably expect, if he considers the nature of his body and his soul, and his situation in the present world.”
Even the Son of God was “tempted in all things as we are”
Hebrews 4:15 (NASB) 15For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. and because of that “He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted” Hebrews 2:18 18For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
No one, not even Satan, can make us sin. He cannot even make an unbeliever sin. No temptation is inherently stronger than our spiritual resources. People sin because they willingly sin. CHOICE
Temptation - a putting to proof - tendency to induce them to forsake their allegiance to their Lord VIDEO
Taken - to get hold of - to take with the hand, lay hold of, any person or thing in order to use it
They were such as human nature had been often subjected to, and such as man had often contended with successfully.
The “design” of the apostle is to comfort the Corinthians, and to keep their minds from despondency. He had portrayed their danger; he had shown them how others had fallen; and they might be led to suppose that in such circumstances they could not be secure. He therefore tells them that they might still be safe, for their temptations were such as human nature had often been subject to, and God was able to keep them from falling.
When “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matt. 4:1) it is clear that both God and Satan participated in the testing. God intended the test to prove His Son’s righteousness, but Satan intended it to induce Jesus to misuse His divine powers and to give His allegiance to Satan. Job was tested in much the same way. God allowed Job to be afflicted in order to prove His servant was an “upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil” (Job 1:8). Satan’s purpose was the opposite: to prove that Job was faithful only because of the blessings and prosperity the Lord had given him and that, if those things were taken away, Job would “surely curse Thee to Thy face” (v. 11).
Joseph – Gen. 50:20
God’s tests are never a solicitation to evil, and James strongly corrects those who suggest such a thing. “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” (James 1:13). “By evil” is the key to the difference between the two types of temptation. In the wilderness God tested Jesus by righteousness, whereas Satan tested Him by evil. A temptation becomes an inducement to evil only when a person “is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin” James 1:14-15 14But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
Earlier in his letter James wrote, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials” (1:2). The nouns trials (see also verse 12) and testing (v. 3) are from the same Greek root as the verb tempted in verses 13-14. The context indicates which sense is meant.
2 Corinthians 11:23 - 28 (NASB) 23Are they servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 24Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. 26I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; 27I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.
Hebrews 12:4 (NASB) 4You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;
1 Peter 1:6 - 7 (NASB) 6In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Principle Number One – Remember Our Position
Principle Number Two – Remember Our Provider
and God is faithful,
Faithful – trustworthy - trusty, faithful
1a) of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties
1b) one who kept his plighted faith, worthy of trust
1c) that can be relied on
2) easily persuaded
2a) believing, confiding, trusting
Though Satan be a deceiver, God is true. Men may be false, and the world may be false; but God is faithful, and our strength and security are in Him. He keepeth his covenant, and will never disappoint the filial hope and trust of his children.
This was the only source of security; and this was enough. If they looked only to themselves, they would fall. If they depended on the faithfulness of God, they would be secure. The sense is, not that God would keep them without any effort of their own; not that he would secure them if they plunged into temptation; but that if they used the proper means, if they resisted temptation, and sought his aid, and depended on his promises, then he would be faithful. This is everywhere implied in the Scriptures; and to depend on the faithfulness of God,
1 Peter 4:19 (NASB) 19Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
Deuteronomy 7:9 (NASB) 9“Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;
Isaiah 25:1 (NASB) 1 O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22 - 23 (NASB) 22 The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NASB) 3But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
2 Timothy 2:11 - 13 (NASB) 11 It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; 12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
Hebrews 10:23 (NASB) 23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
1 Peter 4:19 (NASB) 19Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
We study the Bible not to know the Bible but to know the God of the Bible.
Principle Number One – Remember Our Position
Principle Number Two – Remember Our Provider
Principle Number Three – Remember Our Promise
who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able,
God will not suffer you to be tried above the strength he gives you
Allow – permit
Temptation - to test objectively - to try whether a thing can be done
1a) to attempt, endeavor
He will not let us experience any test we are not able to meet.
2) to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quantity, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself
Beyond - over, beyond, more than
Able - to be able, have power whether by virtue of one’s own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favorable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom
2) To be able to do something
3) To be capable, strong and powerful
Either our trials will be proportioned to our strength, or strength will be supplied in proportion to our temptations.
That all the circumstances, causes, and agents that leads to temptation are under the control of God.
WHEN PEOPLE ARE TEMPTED, IT IS BECAUSE GOD SUFFERS OR PERMITS IT. HE HIMSELF DOES NOT TEMPT HUMAN BEINGS James 1:13 (NASB) 13Let 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.
He does not infuse evil thoughts into the mind; He does not create an object of temptation to place in our way, but He suffers it to be placed there by others. When we are tempted, therefore, we are to remember that it is because He allows or permits it; not because He does it. His agency is that of sufferance, not of creation. We are to remember, too, that there is some good reason why it is thus permitted; and that it may be turned in some way to his glory, and to our advancement in virtue.
5) IF PEOPLE FALL INTO SIN, UNDER THE POWER OF TEMPTATION, THEY ONLY ARE TO BLAME. THEY HAVE STRENGTH TO RESIST ALL THE TEMPTATIONS THAT ASSAIL THEM, AND GOD HAS GIVEN THE ASSURANCE THAT NO TEMPTATION SHALL OCCUR WHICH THEY SHALL NOT BE ABLE, BY HIS AID, TO RESIST. IN ALL INSTANCES, THEREFORE, WHERE PEOPLE FALL INTO SIN; IN ALL THE YIELDING TO PASSION, TO ALLUREMENT, AND TO VICE, MAN IS TO BLAME, AND MUST BE RESPONSIBLE TO GOD. AND THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE OF CHRISTIANS, WHO, WHATEVER MAY BE SAID OF OTHERS, CANNOT PLEAD THAT THERE WAS NOT POWER SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE TEMPTATION, OR TO TURN ASIDE ITS POWER.
Daniel 3:17 (NASB) 17“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
Romans 8:28 - 39 (NASB) 28And we know that £God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. 31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was £raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35Who will separate us from the love of £Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Corinthians 12:8 - 10 (NASB) 8Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Timothy 4:18 (NASB) 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Principle Number One – Remember Our Position
Principle Number Two – Remember Our Provider
Principle Number Three – Remember Our Promise
Principle Number Four – Remember Our Prospect
but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
Temptation - a putting to proof
Provide - to make ready, to prepare
Escape - an egress, way out, exit
It literally means a way out. And this God will either find or make; which He that hath all wisdom, as well as all power in heaven and earth, can never be at a loss how to do.
Endure - 1) to bear by being under, bear up (a thing placed on one’s shoulders) 2) to bear patiently, to endure
He will, with the temptation, make the deliverance, or way out
He will save us from being entirely overcome by it.
(1) As a ground of encouragement to those who are in temptation and trial. God knows what they are able to endure; and he will sustain them in their temptations. It matters not how severe the trial; or how long it may be continued; or how much they may feel their own feebleness; yet He who has appointed the trial is abundantly able to uphold them. They may, therefore, repose their all upon Him, and trust to His sustaining grace.
(2) IT MAY BE USED AS AN ARGUMENT, THAT NONE WHO ARE TRUE CHRISTIANS, AND WHO ARE THUS TRIED, SHALL EVER FALL AWAY, AND BE LOST. THE PROMISE IS POSITIVE AND CERTAIN, THAT A WAY SHALL BE MADE FOR THEIR ESCAPE, AND THEY SHALL BE ABLE TO BEAR IT. GOD IS FAITHFUL TO THEM; AND THOUGH HE MIGHT SUFFER THEM TO BE TEMPTED BEYOND WHAT THEY ARE ABLE TO BEAR, YET HE WILL NOT, BUT WILL SECURE AN EGRESS FROM ALL THEIR TRIALS. WITH THIS PROMISE IN VIEW, HOW CAN IT BE BELIEVED THAT ANY TRUE CHRISTIANS WHO ARE TEMPTED WILL BE SUFFERED TO FALL AWAY AND PERISH? IF THEY DO, IT MUST BE FROM ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CAUSES; EITHER BECAUSE GOD IS NOT FAITHFUL; OR BECAUSE HE WILL PERMIT THEM TO BE TEMPTED ABOVE WHAT THEY ARE ABLE TO BEAR; OR BECAUSE HE WILL NOT MAKE A WAY FOR THEIR ESCAPE. SINCE NO CHRISTIAN CAN BELIEVE EITHER OF THESE, IT FOLLOWS THAT THEY WHO ARE CONVERTED SHALL BE KEPT UNTO SALVATION.
Psalms 124:7 (NASB) 7 Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper; The snare is broken and we have escaped.
Why sometimes is the testing a never ending test?
2 Corinthians 12:7 - 9 (NASB) 7Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB) 11‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
For the most part the emphasis has been on the person going through the trial. But now we want to make the emphasis come to something more important and that is God.
10. Let us then receive every trial with calm resignation, and with humble confidence that He who hath all power, all wisdom, all mercy, and all faithfulness, will first support us in every temptation, and then deliver us out of all: So that in the end all things shall work together for good, and we shall happily experience, that all these things were for our profit, that we “might be partakers of His holiness.”
Principle Number One – Remember Our Position
Principle Number Two – Remember Our Provider
Principle Number Three – Remember Our Promise
Principle Number Four – Remember Our Prospect
9-5-08