Go! And Trust In God’s Faithfulness Series

Go! And Trust in God’s Faithfulness

Introduction

Today, we turn to one of the most encouraging and practical promises in all of Scripture, found in 1 Corinthians 10:13. This verse reassures us of God’s faithfulness in the midst of our struggles. Let’s begin by reading the text together:

"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT)

This morning, as we gather for worship and prepare our hearts to take communion, we will explore this verse deeply. We will reflect on God’s faithfulness, His provision in our trials, and the hope we have through Christ.

1. God’s Faithfulness in Temptation

The Apostle Paul begins by reminding us that temptations are a universal human experience:

"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience."

The Greek word translated as "temptation" here is peirasmos, which can mean both "testing" and "temptation." This dual meaning shows that while the enemy may seek to use challenges to lead us into sin, God can use them to strengthen our faith. Paul encourages us to remember that we are not alone in our struggles—others have faced similar challenges and overcome them through God’s help.

Consider Hebrews 4:15: "This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin."

Jesus understands our struggles because He lived as one of us. He faced temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) and overcame by standing firm on the Word of God. In the same way, we can rely on Scripture to resist temptation and trust in God’s provision.

When you face temptation, remember that you are not alone. Reach out to others in your church family for support, and most importantly, turn to Jesus, who empathises with your weaknesses. As Rob Turner once said, "Trying to atone for your sin is like scooping out the ocean with a teaspoon. Which do you want to hear? ‘Get to work’ or ‘It’s already done’?" Trust in what Christ has already accomplished for you.

2. God’s Provision of a Way Out

Paul continues with this powerful promise:

"And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."

The phrase "God is faithful" anchors this verse. The Greek word for "faithful" is pistos, meaning trustworthy or reliable. God’s faithfulness is unchanging, and He has promised never to abandon us in our struggles.

In Psalm 34:17, we read: "The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles."

God’s faithfulness ensures that no temptation will overwhelm us. He always provides a "way out." This phrase is derived from the Greek word ekbasis, meaning an "exit" or "escape." This does not mean life will be free from challenges, but it does mean God equips us to endure and overcome.

Imagine being trapped in a maze. Just when it seems there’s no escape, you see a light shining on a door. God’s faithfulness is that light. When life feels overwhelming, He points us toward the way of escape.

When you are faced with temptation, look for the "way out" that God provides. It may come through prayer, Scripture, or the support of a fellow believer. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, "The deceit, the lie of the devil, consists of this: that he wishes to make man believe that he can live without God."

3. Enduring Through God’s Strength

Finally, Paul concludes with the assurance that God enables us to endure:

"When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."

The Greek word for "endure" is hypophero, which means "to bear up under." This speaks to God’s sustaining grace. While He provides a way of escape, He also gives us the strength to persevere when the escape is not immediate.

Consider Isaiah 40:31: "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."

God’s strength renews us when we feel weak. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can endure even the toughest trials.

In moments of struggle, rely on God’s strength. Pray for His Spirit to renew you. Surround yourself with believers who will encourage and uplift you. Remember, endurance is not about self-reliance but about trusting in the One who is faithful.

Conclusion

As we prepare to take communion, let us reflect on God’s faithfulness. Jesus endured the ultimate trial on the cross so that we could have victory over sin and temptation. His sacrifice is the ultimate "way out" of the bondage of sin.