Sunday Preview: A Way Out

In January, we are discussing God's role in securing our hope. We are focusing on God's present work on our behalf, which accompanies us on our journey towards heaven. We can see divine support in the way God helps us through temptation. The battle against temptation can feel overwhelming, and it may seem like we will never overcome it. The existence of Satan, his cunning, and our own weakness can catch us off guard. However, we can navigate through these trials. 1 Corinthians 10:13 provides insight into how we can overcome temptation.

1 Corinthians 10:13 warns us that temptation will indeed confront us. It does not merely brush up against us but can overtake or dominate. To understand temptation, we must first define it as "a test" — an examination designed to reveal a fault within us. It can be viewed as "an inward solicitation resulting from an outward test.” James 1:13 clarifies that while God may allow tests, He does not tempt us with evil. The distinction is clear: God's tests are meant to strengthen, not to entice us to sin.

1 Corinthians 10:13 also states that there is no temptation unique to us; it is common to humanity. Jesus Himself faced every nature of temptation, as noted in Hebrews 2:17a, 18. Having suffered temptation, He is uniquely equipped to assist those who are tempted.

The same verse from 1 Corinthians assures us that God is faithful and will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle. God knows each of us intimately and ensures that no insurmountable test comes our way.

With every temptation, God promises a way out, as per 1 Corinthians 10:13. This exit is not always immediate or effortless, but it involves enduring through the challenge. To "bear it" means to get under something and carry it through. The way out is not a detour but a passage through the test itself.
How will you respond to the tests you are currently facing? Will you

• Turn to the Word, as in Psalm 119:111.
• Engage in prayer, following Matthew 6:13.
• Utilize your shield of faith, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:16.
• Focus on Christ, who understands our temptations, as stated in Hebrews 4:15.
• Be guided by the Spirit, Galatians 5.16.

As you prepare for worship, you might think about these questions.

1. In what ways have you experienced God providing a way out during a tempting situation, and how did you respond to His guidance?
2. How can we distinguish between a test from God and a temptation to sin, as described in 1 Corinthians 10:13 and James 1:13-14?
3. How does understanding that Jesus Himself was tempted, as mentioned in Hebrews 2:18, influence your approach to resisting temptation?
4. How can the assurance that God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13) impact our mindset during challenging times?
5. Reflecting on Psalm 119:11 and Ephesians 6:16, what practical steps can we take to prepare ourselves for inevitable temptations?

OPENING / WELCOME
Kody Pritt
SONG LEADER
Russ Robins
PRAYER OF PRAISE
Dave Pennington
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Matt Barnhart
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Gary Jackson
Gary Stewart
Boyd Hastings
David Williams
SCRIPTURE READING
Billy Robbins
1 Corinthians 10.13
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Justin Spargo
CLOSING COMMENTS
Russ Robins
WELCOME CENTER
Judy Hickey /
USHERS
Jim Rutter / Bob Hoopes
SONG DEVOTIONAL
Chris Terrian
COMMUNION PREP
Gwen Price
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Ben Baker