"No temptation has overtaken you
except such as is common to man . . ."
1 Corinthians 10:13
except such as is common to man . . ."
1 Corinthians 10:13
Being tempted is common to all people everywhere. It goes with being human. God has given us the ability to choose, and that includes the option of making the wrong choice. God could have made us in such a way that we would face no temptations. He could simply take away the ability to choose. However, God made man as a moral agent with the ability of choice.
How do you deal with temptation? Jesus had to deal with temptation. Herein, He is the example for overcoming temptation. The tempter's voice made alluring suggestions to the mind of Christ. Words became the vehicle bringing temptations. Thoughts of the mind become the battlefield. Jesus chose greater thoughts, quoting from the written Word of God.
Tempting thoughts can become a pattern of thinking. The Bible calls it a stronghold. They are thoughts which exalt themselves above the knowledge of God in your mind. They must be pulled down. Every thought must be brought captive to the obedience of Christ.
Your temptations will always begin in your thought life. Tempting thoughts may come to the door of your mind. Don't invite them into your pattern of thinking. Instead, feed your mind on the thoughts of God. His thoughts are recorded in your Bible. Victory over temptation begins in your heart and mind.
