“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 Cor. 10:13).

To me, this is one of the most encouraging and reassuring passages in the Bible regarding temptation. Consider the powerful truths this one verse contains whenever we encounter temptation (James 1:13-16).

First, you and I will only experience what is common to all of humankind. None of us will ever face some new or unique temptation that no one else has ever encountered. The three avenues of temptation common to us all is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17).

Secondly, God is faithful. In fact, great is His faithfulness (Lam. 3:23). God is on our side. He wants us to be victorious every single time we face temptation. As Paul wrote to the saints in Thessalonica, “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one” (2 Thess. 3:3). “The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations” (2 Peter 2:9).

Thirdly, we will never be tempted beyond our ability to overcome. God allows us to be tempted, but “He Himself does not tempt anyone” (James 1:13). When God allows us to be tempted, He puts limits on what Satan is able to do to us (Job 1:12). The temptation will never too much or too great for us to overcome.

Fourth, a way of escape will always be provided to you and me. This statement is a reminder of God’s faithfulness to us. Every single time we encounter temptation... God will provide a means of escaping the temptation. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Finally, you and I must do the escaping! He provides the door of escape, but will we take it? God will deliver us from the evil one (Matt. 6:13) if we will only embrace the spiritual provisions He has made for us. We must be sober, vigilant, and resist the devil steadfast in the faith (1 Peter 5:8-9), and then he will flee from us (James 4:7). Let us watch and pray lest we enter into temptation (Matt. 26:41). Let us put on the whole armor God that we be able to stand against the scheming of the devil (Eph. 6:11).

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).