Television is filled with a long list of programs featuring dramatic rescues. While not everyone survives, rescue scenes are designed to grab and hold an audience’s attention. In the first century, one of Jesus’ disciples and the apostle Paul refers to God’s ability to rescue Christians out of temptation. Yet, if God knows how to rescue Christians out of temptation, why do so many saints fall from grace daily?
Now if [all these things are true, then be sure] the Lord knows how to rescue the godly out of temptations and trials, and how to keep the ungodly under chastisement until the day of judgment and doom, 2 Peter 2:9.
One of Jesus’ disciples makes an assumption in the passage above. Under the surface, Peter suggests that the ungodly have already made up their mind about God. Rather than follow a rigid set of guidelines and rules for life, many choose to chase after temporary pleasures while on earth. Subsequently, when a tempting situation arises, the human flesh is indulged to satisfy these natural desires.
For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not [b]adjusted and [c]adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to [d]a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently, 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Meanwhile, the apostle Paul takes a proactive approach toward temptation. Following a history lesson of Israel’s past shortcomings, Paul illustrates how to escape temptation. Whether you are dealing with a difficult situation, hardship or a trial, this is a natural part of life. However, when you are enduring these circumstances, God provides a way out that will avoid temptation. Therefore, if you are in a desperate need of a spiritual rescue, look for a means of escape so that your faith stands tall.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 