“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
Twisted Truth #1: “Temptation is sinful.”
Truth: Temptation is not sin. Jesus was tempted in every way, yet He did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
Twisted Truth #2: “God is tempting me!”
Truth: Temptation is not from God, but it is allowed by God. (James 1:13)
Twisted Truth #3: “The devil made me do it!”
Truth: Temptation is Satan’s attempt to lure you into sin, but he can be resisted. (James 4:7)
Twisted Truth #4: “Somebody else made me do it.”
Truth: No one can make you kill, steal, lie, cheat, or commit any immoral act. You have a choice as to whether you give in to temptation or not. (Proverbs 1:10)
Twisted Truth #5: “A thought can’t be sinful.”
Truth: An initial impure thought is not sinful, though it is a temptation. However, continuing with an unholy thought can make you captive to sin. (Acts 8:22–23)
Twisted Truth #6: “God is angry at me when I’m tempted.”
Truth: God does not disapprove of you because you are tempted. He can use the temptation as a tool to develop your character.(James 1:2–4)
Twisted Truth #7: “What’s the use? I’ve already blown it!”
Truth: Failure is overcome by a change of focus: putting the past behind you and focusing on God’s goal for you—Christlikeness. Paul shared how he appropriated this truth in his own life. (Philippians 3:13–14)
“Because he himself [Jesus] suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
(Hebrews 2:18)
