Marsha's Musings: How to Escape Temptations (I Corinthians 10:6-14, 23-24, 31 NKJV)

Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 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. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (I Corinthians 10:6-14, 23-24, 31 NKJV)

Idolatry is at the root of sexual immorality, testing the Lord, and complaining.  Each one of these sins stems from idolizing and wanting that which we do not have and want.  It is a discontentment with what God has provided.

Then we have this:  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.

What is the way to escape?  Verse 14 gives us the answer: Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

Verses 23-24, 31 give further instruction for the escape of temptation:

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 

In review, how do we escape temptation?

1. Flee idolatry

2. Realize that lawful things are not always helpful or edifying

3. Seek other's well-being over your own

4. Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God