What does 1 Corinthians 10:13 mean?
Paul's words in the previous verse might bring understandable concern, even to Christians: "let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). The context of that comment was avoiding sin, and not assuming that salvation brings us immunity from the earthly consequences of our own behaviors. Taken with other comments made by Paul (2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 6:3), it also serves as a warning to those who are arrogant or careless about their standing in Christ.Temptation is a routine part of life. Our desire to sin can sometimes feel so much more powerful than our desire to do what is right before God. What if we cannot resist? What if, as some suggest, God puts us in a position where resistance is impossible: a scenario where we have no real choice, other than to sin? Or, at least, no hope of resisting the temptation?
In response to that kind of fear, the Bible offers reassurance: overcoming any given temptation is entirely possible. That is true for every Christian. First, Paul points out that none of us are uniquely tempted by sin—in the sense that our desire to sin, whatever unique form it takes for us, is common and ordinary. It has been experienced by countless others down through the generations. We are no more or less subject to temptation than those who came before us or walk alongside us. The experience of human temptation is part of what makes Christ's relationship to us one of trust and hope (Hebrews 4:14–16).
Second, our God is still for us. He loves us. He is not waiting for us to fail; He is ready to help us. One way that He helps believers is to actively work in our lives to keep us from ever being tempted beyond what we can resist. We might not always believe we can overcome temptation. Satan might encourage us to see some temptations as irresistible. God promises that we can, in the power of the Holy Spirit, respond to any given temptation by resisting it.
Finally, Paul adds to this promise that God will always make a way of escape out of whatever temptation stands before us. If we look for a way to say no to whatever sin compels us, God promises we will find it. In some cases, that might mean literally "escaping" from a situation, as Joseph ran away from his master's wife (Genesis 39:7–12). God is actively working to help those who are in Christ, who want to do what is right, to be successful.
Of course, we can turn down God's help in overcoming temptation, if we choose to willfully indulge. And that, ultimately, is what all sin is: a willful choice to do something other than what God wills (Romans 3:10).
