Friday, July 16, 2021

Scriptures for Spiritual Victory #16


One of the verses about Spiritual Victory which has been important in my life since I was a young man is found in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 10:
11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 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.
In context here, Paul is talking to them about the stubborn, rebellious people of Israel who fell into gross idolatry and immorality while Moses drew close to God on Mt. Sinai. They became overconfident in their relationship with God and ability on their own to live in righteousness.  They came to think they were above temptation.  We are all prone to the same power of pride in our lives.  And just like them, we tend to make excuses, to think that we are special cases, and we have a reason to give into sin and selfishness. They blamed Moses for being up on the mountain so long, and in a sense God, for making them wait. We deserve no such exemption. Though each of us are a  unique creation in the image of God, and as believers we are a new creation in Christ, we do not have unique circumstances that make us exempt from God's rules. God is most unique of all: He is Holy, and He is faithful to provide us with the way of escape, and with the grace and strength of Christ, if we are only willing to humbly say and live like we need Him to do so. God promises victory as we rely upon Him, and Christ's righteousness for the way to go and will to live out His purposes for us. 

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