Not Tempted Above Ye Are Able

Experiencing sore trials.
1. “Temptation” is a proving, a trial of our integrity, virtue, and faithfulness by means of it being an enticement to sin.
  1. Some were tempted by the pleasures of the flesh (7,8).
  2. Some are tempted by the difficulties of life so they murmured (10).
2. The trials/temptations had “taken” (lay hold on) the new Christians.
God assures by showing His sovereign control.
1. The first assurance is an answer to the lie of our flesh and of the devil: we are unique and not understood in our suffering.
  1. Satan works to isolate us from God, from Jesus, and from our fellow-saints, so we think we have it worse and are alone.
  2. “Common to man” is God’s first answer, calling the lie a lie (the negative is emphatic).
2. The second assurance is “God is faithful” (II Tim. 2:13).
3. The third assurance is that God controls all, for He “will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able.”
  1. “With the temptation also” implies that He sovereignly gives the temptation/trial.
  2. The sovereign God knows exactly how much we can bear (different from how much we want).
God’s promise is His provision to “make a way of escape.”
1. First, note that the Greek identifies it as THE way of escape.
2. God’s normal provision is that He strengthens us “to bear it.”
3. Do not despair when facing any and every trial/temptation.