Paul knew the Corinthians will be obsessed with the ways their great forefathers who are fathers and mothers of faith lusted the world. I am sure they will become more fearful when he made that statement in 1 Corinthians 10 verse 12,
“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
At this point, he knew they needed a word of encouragement. He mentioned to them that there is no temptation that is peculiar or special to anyone.
Many other believers have faced similar or such forms of temptation, or are passing through the same at the same time. The good news is the promises of God to limit it according to their capabilities to endure, in the end, set them free.
You may be tempted but do no sin. The strength of God is available to see you through the great trial times while His grace will make a way of escape.
Who wrote 1 Corinthians 10:13 and when was it written?
1 Corinthians 10:13 was written by Apostle Paul. It was written during Paul’s stay in Ephesus, which is usually dated as being in the range of 53 to 57 AD.
What is the context of 1 Corinthians 10?
The context of 1 Corinthians 10 is about warnings against worshipping idols and admonishing the people to do everything to the glory of God.
Apostle Paul began this chapter by first reminding the Corinthian church of how the children of Israel brought consequences on themselves in the wilderness due to idolatry and other sinful acts.
The Israelites’ 40 years journey between Egypt and the Promised Land is a clear reflection of the abuse of freedom given to them by God.
They misused this freedom, fell into idolatry, immorality, and disloyalty, and thereby faced the anger and wrath of God, so many of them were even killed.
They were all blessed with exciting spiritual gifts and experiences, had great adventures in the wilderness from passing through the sea, baptizing into Moses in the cloud and the sea, all eating the same spiritual food, spiritual meat, drank the same spiritual drink.
They drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, which was Christ. In all these God was not pleased with most of them. Paul cautioned the people not to follow their bad example.
These people lusted after their flesh. They could not say no to self-desire and therefore died due to idolatry, sexual immorality, tempting God, and murmuring.
Paul’s main message was then delivered. According to him, we were all brought up with good and proper knowledge of the evil and danger attached to worshipping idols but many of us may not have observed how closely our daily practices brought us into the sin of idolatry.
Paul emphasized to them in verse 14 of 1 Corinthians chapter 10,
“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”
How can I flee when the whole world is full of temptations? God has made His strength available for everyone to overcome the power of temptation.
Verses 15 to 17 says,
“I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread. ”
He explained further that taking part in communion by taking the bread and the blood of Christ connects true believers to Him. In the same vein, partaking from sacrifices from the altar of idols connects people to demons.
What business do we true Christians have with demons? We cannot serve two masters, partaking on the Lord’s table and on the table of demons.
At the end of chapter, Apostle Paul concluded the matter, warning the people to avoid eating food set aside for idols even though it is not anything but for conscience’s sake.
He clarified they are free to eat any meat as long as do not know whether it has been offered to an idol or not. He finalized his statement that whatever we do must be to the glory of God.
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:31–33)
What is the message of 1 Corinthians 10:13?
The message of 1 Corinthians 10:13 means God will never allow temptations that we cannot bear and He will give us the required strength to prevail.
God will only allow such temptations according to our own strength. He knows what we can bear. It is important to know that the temptation Paul was talking about here is carnal temptation. This is strictly talking about enticements into sin.
Temptation is the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise, in this case, a desire to sin but not sin itself. It is not unscriptural to be tempted. Jesus who is our perfect example was tempted and tempted again,
Hebrews 2 verse 18,
“For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.”
Luke 4 verse 13,
“Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.”
According to the two scriptures above, Jesus experienced the greatest temptation over and over again. Devil will always look for the opportunity to cause the children of God to sin.
Jesus Christ was tempted but He did not sin. He was equipped with words of God that put satan on the run.
God does not tempt his children, rather He is our help in the midst of temptations. Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.
Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. When the desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it brings forth death.
You will surely be tempted but God is ever faithful. He will strengthen you and causes you to overcome.
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man,” meaning
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man,” means every believer experiences enticement or desire to sin.
There is no persuasion, trial, or lure that you face that is special to you.
Temptations are the common experiences of the children of God. The devil does not spare anyone from being tempted.
No temptation as stated in the phrase above actually means no. You don’t have any excuse, the statement covers them all. Some weaker brothers with negative thoughts in the Christian church do not want to accept this fact.
Though Paul mentioned a few of those such as idolatry, sexual immorality, challenging God, and complaining but stated it clearly in 1 Corinthians 10 verse 6,
“Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.”
Satan will attempt to lust believers into all evil things. He is a destroyer of destinies.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
( John 10 verse 10 )
None of the burdens you have faced should lead you to abandon your faith and commit sin.
“but God is faithful,” meaning
“but God is faithful” means God is trustworthy.
God is dependable. He says what He means. He meant what He says. He is not just faithful but the only one that has perfect faithfulness.
Isaiah wrote in Chapter 25 verse 1 of New International Version,
“LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.”
He can never cease to be what He is and He will always be unfailing with His upright personality.
Some of the dimensions of God’s faithfulness include faithfulness in His Holy nature, faithfulness in His word, and faithfulness in His covenant. The one that is applicable in this verse is God’s faithfulness in His love. No man can be tempted or afflicted by men, but by divine permission.
Matthew 10 verses 29 to 31 says,
“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
God will always be by our side, He will not let us down.
“who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able” meaning
“who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able” means God does not allow you to be tempted above your ability.
God knows the limit of everyone when it comes to human temptations. He knows our capacities. He will not prevent us from being tempted but rather empower us to come out without hurt.
Submit to God, humble yourselves under His mighty hand. Cast your burdens upon Him, for He cares for you.
Philippians 4 verse 13,
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
He is too faithful to fail.
“but with the temptation will also make the way of escape” meaning
“but with the temptation will also make the way of escape” means believers can have great victory over sin if they choose to do so.
The quickest way of escape from the bait of sin is using the word of God. The escape route is hidden in the holy bible. We saw this clearly during the time of temptation of our Lord Jesus.
There is a word response to every device of the devil. Jesus won the devil by using the word. He repeated the word, it is written in response to all the three temptations from Satan. ( Matthew chapter 4 verses 1 to 11 )
Guard yourself up with the word. The devil and all his demons will flee.
Ephesians 6 verses 13 and 14,
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness. “
“that you may be able to bear It.” meaning
“that you may be able to bear it.” means God gives the grace to endure temptations.
God does not always deem it fit to bail us out at once. It is His purpose to constantly check our position with Him, though He still makes His grace available so we don’t fall. Apostle Peter referred to God as the God of all grace. His throne of grace is sufficient at all times.
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. ( 1 Peter 5 verse 10 )
What is the difference in biblical translations of 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV, KJV, NIV & ESV)?
1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV biblical translation “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.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV biblical translation “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 NIV biblical translation “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV biblical translation “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
There is no difference in NKJV and KJV translations. The 2 translations are written almost the same way.
The difference is between NIV and ESV translations.
Beyond what you can bear in NIV is replaced by beyond your ability in ESV. The two phrases mean a state of incapability.
Way out in NIV is replaced by way of escape in ESV, which both means an act of breaking free from confinement.
However, the four translations have the same meaning.
How do I apply 1 Corinthians 10:13 to my life?
Applying 1 Corinthians 10:13 to my life is to understand that no one can hide behind the argument that his temptation is personal and think his sin will be overlooked.
The good reason why God allows temptation is to test their level of faith. His desire is for Christian not to fail in temptation while Satan’s desire is for human beings to fail and fall into sin. The way out is to trust God in His words and not our own way.
John 8 verse 32,
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
We cannot fall by a temptation if we apply the word of God.
What is 1 Corinthians 10:13 prayer?
Father Lord, thank you for being my strength and my shield. Help me to depend on you when I am overwhelmed by the temptations of sin. Fill me with Your faith as I study and obey Your Word. May I see you at the centre of it all, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ I pray. AMEN
Conclusion
Maintain a good relationship with God, and call upon Him in time of need. He will provide the spiritual strength required to resist you from falling into sin. Be in constant fellowship with Him.
This can either be personal time with God or in church with the brethren during church services. A car that does not go for regular services will soon break down. We service our spiritual engine when we go for church services.
Psalm 84 verse 7 says,
“They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.”
God has empowered us to flee and resist sin since He has given us the power of the Holy Ghost.
