What temptation is common to man as referred to in 1 Corinthians 10:13?

In 1 Corinthians 10:13, the apostle Paul writes, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it." This passage has become a source of comfort and encouragement for Christians over the centuries, as it reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, and that God is always with us, helping us to overcome temptation.

So, what is the temptation that is common to man, as referred to in 1 Corinthians 10:13? The answer is simple: sin. Sin is the common temptation that all human beings face, regardless of their age, gender, nationality, or religious affiliation. We are all born with a sinful nature, and we are all prone to making mistakes and falling short of God's standards.

The Bible is filled with stories of people who faced temptation and struggled to resist it. Adam and Eve were tempted by the serpent in the Garden of Eden, and they gave in to the temptation to eat the forbidden fruit. Cain was tempted by jealousy and anger, and he ended up killing his brother Abel. David was tempted by lust, and he committed adultery with Bathsheba. These stories serve as a reminder that even the most faithful and righteous people can fall prey to temptation.

But as Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:13, we are not alone in our struggles. God is faithful, and he will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. He will always provide a way out so that we can endure the temptation. This "way out" may come in the form of prayer, seeking the guidance of a wise friend or mentor, or simply making the decision to walk away from a situation that is tempting us to sin.

It is important to note that while we are all susceptible to temptation, we are also all capable of resisting it. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, and we have access to the power and strength that comes from a personal relationship with God. When we face temptation, we can turn to God for help and guidance, knowing that he is always with us and that he wants us to live a life that is pleasing to him.

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Jamie Larson
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