Last week, we studied the first part of 1 Corinthians 10.  In that passage, Paul reminded us that although we are saved by grace, we must avoid sin.  We looked at four specific sins and how they might be relevant to our own lives.

This week, we continue our study of that passage.

As we begin, think about the sin in your own life.  All of us are sinners, and we sin in many different ways, but think of one or two specific sins in your life - one or two things that you know aren't pleasing to God about the way you're living right now.

Do you have a sin or sins in mind?  Keep them in mind as you read the following passage.  (Don't go forward until you know what it is that God's telling you to change!)

1 Corinthians 10:11-13

These things [punishments for sin] happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.  So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!  No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Although this is a relatively short passage, Paul says several things here that are important to us as Christians.

First, notice his caution that "if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!"

If you're a Christian who lives a pretty good life and isn't committing any of the "major" sins, it's easy to start feeling like you've got it all together.  You know you've got a little to work on, but you're doing so well!  Surely God must be pleased with you!

But it's in the midst of times like these that we're often most prone to fall into sin.  Good Christians aren't exempt from temptation, and the moment you let your guard down, it seems the temptations get even stronger than usual.  If the sin you have in mind is something you struggle with on an ongoing basis, you already know you need to be vigilant.

Notice also Paul's next line: "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man."

Do you ever feel like you're the only one who struggles with this particular sin (whatever it may be)?  Do you feel like you have a tougher struggle than some others do?

The truth is that whatever your sin is, you're not alone.  Any temptation you're facing is one that many others in the world are facing as well.

This is also a major wake up call to gay Christians in our struggles with sexual temptations.  If you're struggling with a sexual temptation, it may be easy to write that off as part of what it means to be gay.  But straight Christians have the same struggles we do; they're just aimed at a different gender.  If you're struggling to live a sexually pure life, to abstain from pornography, to keep a relationship from getting too physical, or whatever other sexual struggle you might have, remember that gay people aren't the only ones with these struggles.  You can draw inspiration from straight Christians you know who have successfully dealt with their own temptations in these areas.  It's not any easier for them than it is for us!

Regardless of the nature of your specific temptation, you can draw comfort from knowing that it is common.  Others out there are experiencing the same struggle you are.  And no matter what the temptation is, there are others out there who have found a way to beat it!  Let that inspire and motivate you.

Paul reminds us that "God is faithful" and "will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear."  So if your temptation feels overwhelming at times, remember that it's not.  God knows you better than you know yourself, and God knows what you can handle.

When this temptation comes up again, don't psych yourself out by telling yourself that it's too much for you to withstand.  It isn't.  If it were, God wouldn't let you face it.  Go in knowing that you do have the power to do the right thing in the face of this temptation.  God is giving you that power.

And moreover, God is giving you a way out.  When the temptation arises, look for God's little exit strategy.  Maybe you need to remove yourself from the situation physically for a while.  With some types of temptation, simply telling a close friend what you're going through will provide the way out that you need.  But always - always - there is an exit.  You just have to locate it and walk through.