12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 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.
STANDING FIRM
Falling away from the faith is a serious danger to all Christians. The Evil One is intent on devouring us, and he is happy when he can lead us to become indifferent, apathetic, or passive about our faith in Christ.
In modern society, some of his favorite tools to use are:
1) Busy-ness. He wants to get us so wrapped up in our work and in our play that we truly believe we have no time for God.
2) Things. The Enemy loves to capture our heart by getting us entangled in the things of this world. He is well-pleased when we devote our heart to our possessions and find our identity in what we have.
3) Fun. The Tempter loves to make us think that life is all about pleasure -- that we deserve to do what tickles our passions.
There are many other tools that he uses. And that's why we need to keep our guard up, so that he does not get a foothold to lead us away from our relationship with God.
Fortunately, we also see in this passage the promise that God will not allow him to tempt us beyond what we can bear -- that God always provides a way of escape no matter what Satan tries to use against us. His faithfulness in Christ is stronger than any temptation the Enemy can bring.
But be careful. Stay in the Word. Make regular and frequent use of the Holy Supper. Pray constantly. The Holy Spirit has promised to guide you, and He will arm you for your temptations with His wall of strength.
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