The Divine Escape Plan

Temptation is more than enticement but actually puts us to the test:  it is an examination to see if we will choose God's way or not.  The Bible explains God cannot be blamed for temptation to sin, as it is written in James 1:13-14:  "Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed."  The fact temptation to sin appeals to us at all is because we are the crooked and corruptible ones.  God is righteous and always leads us to do righteously.  It is we who err.

The grace of God is revealed in providing a way for those who trust in Christ to avoid sin and do what is right.  See what 1 Corinthians 10:13 has to say on the subject:  "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."  In our flesh no good thing dwells, but when we are born again and filled with the Spirit there is life in us to resist the devil and walk in obedience to Christ.  With every temptation allowed by God He also makes "the way of escape."  Commercial buildings are required to have illuminated "Exit" signs to make the way out clear in case of emergency.  If we find ourselves in the middle of a temptation which presses upon us, our call is to look to the Light of the World who shines in the darkness.  God makes exit from temptation possible.

The reality is we live in a body of flesh which is still very prone to sin and desires it over pleasing God.  That is why Paul exhorted believers in Romans 13:13-14, "Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. ¹⁴ But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil its lusts."  In every case when there is sin to put off, there is Jesus Christ to put on through faith in obedience.  The flesh says concerning forsaking sin, "But what about me?"  but Jesus says "Deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Me."  Sin is not to be given any space to operate freely in our lives, just like all the gaps in a house must be stopped to keep out rats and mice.  As believers sin only has power over us when we willingly submit to it, and when we are in active submission to God we will not choose sin.