1 Corinthians 10:12-14

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

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.

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry [evil].

We often want to excuse our particular tempting circumstances as "unique" or "special", but God reminds us that our temptation is not unique - in fact rather ordinary - "common". Furthermore, we cannot blame God when we surcumb to any temptation. Know for a fact that many other Godly men and women have faced the same or similar temptations, and have found the strength to overcome them. We are provided a way of escape. The commentator William Barclay says the word for a way of escape can be used to represent "mountain pass", with the idea of an army being surrounded by the enemy, and finding an escape route to safety. Like a mountain pass, the way of escape isn’t necessarily an easy path, but very doable. In essence the literal meaning is an exit. We must find those exits and leave - indeed "flee".

The Apostle Paul [Bible author]
1 Corinthians 10:12-14
Posted: 31 Aug 2025