1. The Way of Escape 1 Corinthians 10:5-13

2. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

3. Understanding the Passage We must exercise care lest we fall (v. 12) Must realize aspects of this great promise:   All temptations are common to man   None beyond our ability to bear   Assurance: God is faithful   With temptation, a way of escape is given Man can “bear” temptation by God’s help

4. Types of Temptation “Temptation” used in two senses in NT   Jas. 1:2-4, 12 Refers to testing, proving   Jas. 1:14Refers to enticement to sin   This second sense is used in 1 Cor. 10:13   God does “try” our faith Gen 22:1   Such trying is for our good James 1:12 Sinful temptation not from God (Jas. 1:13)

5. Temptation To Sin Temptation caused by impure heart, James 1:13-15; Mark 7:21-23. So purify the heart. Lust for a woman, Matt. 5:28; 2 Sam. 11:2 Lust for material things, Josh. 7:21, Col 3:5 Hatred = murder. 1 Jn. 3:15. Put off “the old man” Eph. 4:22-32. Crucify the“old man” Rom. 6:3-6. Flee from lusts, 2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Cor. 6:18; 10:14. Run for your life (like Joseph).

6. Practical ways to overcome Temptation Do not make provisions for the flesh, Rom. 13:14. Do not make provisions for the flesh, Rom. 13:14. Remember God, Gen. 39:9 “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Remember God, Gen. 39:9 “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Remember the trust that others have placed in us. Gen. 39:8, Potiphar has committed all he has to my hand … except you, because you are his wife. Remember the trust that others have placed in us. Gen. 39:8, Potiphar has committed all he has to my hand … except you, because you are his wife. Matt. 4:7, “It is written …” Matt. 4:7, “It is written …” No excuses. “I’m only human, not wire, plastic” No excuses. “I’m only human, not wire, plastic”

7. God’s Promise: Help to Overcome Christ is our example (1 Pet 2:21-22) Facts about this “way of escape”   It is not miraculous or mystical   It is not secret of few elite “super-saints”   It is not found by worldly wisdom & intellect   The way of escape is “common to man”   It is available to all   Especially found by those who live by faith

8. Three Avenues of Temptation First seen in Garden (Gen. 3:1-6) Avenues of temptation for all (1 Jn. 2:15-17) Not from God, they’re “ours” – we created them, cultivated them, stimulated them, provide for then. MUST CRUCIFY THEM! Lust of the Eyes Pride of Life Lust of the Flesh

9. What Is The “Way of Escape?” The answer is so simple, it escapes many Most sin is perversion of lawful desire satisfied in unlawful way   Idolatry perversion of true worship   Profanity perversion of pure speech Way of escape is to satisfy lawful desire in a lawful way

10. Way of Escape: Return to Purity Lust of Flesh Sexual Desire Way of escape: Marriage (1 Cor. 7:1-2) Lust of Eye Desire to have or to Possess Way of escape: Work & Give (Eph. 4:28) Pride of Life Desire to be Exalted Way of escape: Humble service (Gal. 5:13)

11. Look for the way of escape: Make proper use of time. Have no “free time” in which Satan can tempt. Make proper use of time. Have no “free time” in which Satan can tempt. More Bible study, prayer, attend faithfully More Bible study, prayer, attend faithfully Visit, study, pray, work with brethren. Visit, study, pray, work with brethren. Avoid those who tempt, seduce, 1 Cor. 15:33 Avoid those who tempt, seduce, 1 Cor. 15:33 Make proper use of money. No funds available for smoking, drinking, gambling, worldly recreation – amusement. Make proper use of money. No funds available for smoking, drinking, gambling, worldly recreation – amusement.

12. Never find way of escape while outside of Christ Why not obey Jesus now?