The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Corinthians 10:12-13, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted

beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.”

Earlier in this letter, Paul insisted that many things that occurred in the Old Testament era occurred as examples to the

Corinthians and to us. Things such as idolatry, immorality, and grumbling were but a few of the things that brought the anger

of the LORD down upon His own people. How much of that occurs today, we have no idea. Things that might well be God’s judgment, we call “catastrophes of nature.” At the same time, we need to “watch our steps,” lest they be His judgments!

Temptation is the devil’s solicitation for us to do evil. “Come on, nobody will know. You’ll like it! This is fun! Come on!” The magnitude of a temptation is insignificent, except that it tends to increase with each occurance. Sometimes we think that nobody has ever encountered a temptation like we’ve encountered. Yet, Paul clearly states that Satan tempts everyone much in the same way.

We’re not told in this passage whether there is any value to us in being tempted. To be sure, it is an experience; and if it’s successfully overcome, we are potentually strengthened to meet the next one. What we are told is that the LORD will not allow Satan to tempt us beyond our ability to withstand it. Remember Job? The LORD set parameters beyond which Satan was not allowed to venture. It is the same with us. Sometimes we see temptation coming. When we do, we should always look to the LORD for His enabling. Failure to overcome a temptation, only invites it to come again –and with added strength!

The LORD desires that we learn to lean upon Him. He knows the “escape route” for every temptation Satan throws in our pathway. Thus, there is no excuse for us to fall into Satan’s devious routes. Yes, sometimes temptation is enjoyable. But it is never profitable! Solomon warns, “At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper” (Prov. 23:32). What does that mean? It means that when we’re involved in sin, it smothers our witness for our LORD Jesus Christ. The bite and the sting of sin diverts our attention from God’s purpose for our lives, and it punctures the joy He brings, and leaves us with more than a “bad taste in the mouth.” Learn to love Him! Learn to live for Him! Think about it: He is really the only One you have!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom