What Does the Bible Say About Temptation — In Biblical Context
The Bible teaches that temptation is universal but not irresistible — God always provides a way of escape, and Jesus Himself was tempted yet without sin.
The Bible teaches that temptation is universal but not irresistible — God always provides a way of escape, and Jesus Himself was tempted yet without sin.
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." — 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Temptation is the enticement to sin, and no human (except Jesus) has escaped it. James explains the process: 'Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death' (James 1:14-15). Importantly, temptation itself is not sin — Jesus was tempted in every way yet never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). God never tempts anyone (James 1:13), but He allows testing to strengthen faith. The devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness with appeals to physical appetite, pride, and power — and Jesus defeated each temptation with Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11). Paul provides crucial encouragement: 'There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape' (1 Corinthians 10:13). Practical defenses include hiding God's Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11), fleeing tempting situations, and staying accountable to other believers.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, 1 Corinthians 10:13, sits inside 1 Corinthians 10. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
Supporting Passages
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."
"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
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