Youth · Day 4 of 5
A Way Out
Read: 1 Corinthians 10:1-14 (KJV)
1Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13There 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. 14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Read the whole chapter ›What it means
Paul reminds the Corinthian church of Israel in the wilderness. They had seen amazing miracles. God led them through the sea and fed them in the desert. Yet many still fell into idolatry, sexual sin, and complaining. Paul says these things were written as examples for us. Then he gives a warning that applies to everyone: 'let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.' Overconfidence is dangerous. Saying 'that would never happen to me' is often the first step toward it happening. Then comes one of the most encouraging promises in the Bible. Every temptation you face is 'common to man.' You are not the only one, even when it feels that way. God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted above what you are able to bear, and with the temptation He will make a way to escape. That way out might be a friend who texts at the right moment, a verse that comes to mind, or simply the chance to walk away. Your job is to look for it and take it. And if you have already fallen, do not let shame keep you down. Go back to God, confess it, and receive His forgiveness through Jesus. Then ask a trusted adult to help you stay strong. God's grace does not run out.
Key verse
“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 (KJV)
Journal it
- Is there an area where you have been overconfident about temptation?
- Think about a recent temptation. What was the 'way to escape' God provided?
- Who could you talk to for help and accountability in the areas you struggle with?
Write your answers in a notebook or the notes app on your phone.