Escape Route
Devotions for Growing Christians
Escape Route
1 Corinthians 10:13 - 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.
Imagine your house is burning down – and you’re trapped on the second floor! Even if the only way out is to leap from a window, you’d be foolish if you decided not to jump. A broken bone or two is nothing compared to being overtaken by the flames. Or suppose you’re on a sinking cruise ship in the middle of the ocean. When the command comes to get into the lifeboats, you’d be very short-sighted if you refused this way of escape. It might be scary to commit yourself to such a small craft in the vast sea, but it’s a better option than going down with the ship!
Making the decision to escape in these scenarios is not admitting weakness and defeat - it’s a matter of choosing life over death. No one in their right mind would turn away from an option to escape. But now think of these situations as illustrations of spiritual realities. The obvious application might be unbelievers who ignore the “escape route” when it comes to the safety of their souls. Sadly, they’re reluctant to take the way out that God has offered for their eternal destiny.
In 1 Corinthians we see that these illustrations apply to believers as well. In fact, 1 Corinthians 10:13 is actually addressed to Christ followers. In this verse, the “way out” isn’t a reference to our eternal salvation - it’s about our way of life as believers. Notice that the “way out” is from temptation that has come into our lives. Christians often get involved in situations that result in sin or spiritual loss because they didn’t look for God’s escape route.
Temptation or test?
When we read the word "temptation," our first thought is usually some form of enticement to sin. However, the word translated "temptation" in the New Testament can also mean "trial" or "test.” The context determines whether the meaning of the word is "solicitation to evil" or "test of our faith.” For example, in James 1 this word occurs in both verses 2 and 13. In verse 2, the context clearly demonstrates the meaning is "test of our faith,” while in verse 13 the obvious meaning is "solicitation to evil.”
It appears that both these thoughts are in view in 1 Corinthians 10:13. In this chapter, the context is the 40-year journey of the Israelites in the wilderness. They not only yielded to temptations that caused them to commit immorality and idolatry, but God tested them to see what was "in their heart.” Were their hearts truly faithful to Him alone? (Read Deuteronomy 8.) So when we apply 1 Corinthians 10:13 to ourselves, we should recognize that the promises made here apply to both the temptations of sin, and also any trial that we may face. Let’s look at three points about our temptation as believers that we find in this verse.
1. We’re not alone
The temptations and trials we experience are not unique. The situations that we may face are the same as those that other people experience. Hebrews 4:15 tells us that even Jesus Himself “faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” So we can never say, "No one has ever had to go through the trial that I'm going through!" Whatever temptation you face, others have faced as well and have overcome. If they can do it, you can too. And knowing that others have endured similar circumstances should be an encouragement to us.
2. We’re in control
God will never allow us to be tempted or tested beyond our ability to withstand. We’ll never be swept away by an overpowering temptation that’s beyond our control. We’re never the victims of circumstance. We can never honestly say, "I couldn't resist!" or, "The devil made me do it!"
God knows our abilities and limitations. Our temptations or trials will never be too heavy, regardless of the situation. He sovereignly sets the bounds of any test we face, and any temptation that Satan throws our way. (See Job 1 and 2, and particularly the concept of the "hedge" in Job 1:10.)
3. We’re able to endure
An “escape route” doesn’t mean a way to avoid dealing with problems by making them disappear. The idea is escaping by endurance. The Lord promised to give us the ability to endure and escape.
Going back to the original illustrations, the flames of the burning house will not suddenly be extinguished, but the open window will still be there. The sinking ship will not miraculously rise up and begin floating again, but the lifeboats will still work just fine. When faced with temptation or trial, look for the "open windows" and "lifeboats" that God promises will be there to enable us to endure!
These escape routes may not be easy to follow. Escaping spiritual failure may involve hurt, as we mentioned in the example of the burning house. But the pain and "broken bones" result in a life that is preserved for further service and glory for Christ. Escape routes may also involve turning away from worldly pleasure, as we mentioned in the example of the cruise ship. Escaping means giving up the accomodations of the luxury liner and committing to the hardships of the lifeboat.
Jesus said, “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (Matt. 26:41). And James 4:7 says, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Dealing with temptation is not easy, but if we run to the Lord, no one can block our escape route!
- Dave Reid
(Updated 2021, Ron Reid)