Word of God. On Sunday mornings, we're going through 1 Corinthians chapter by chapter

by verse. We're in chapter 10, and today's text will be verses 12 and 13, a very well-known

passage, actually. I'll have you turn there at this time, and if you're able, if you would,

please stand. follow along with me

as I read if not that's okay beginning in verse 12 1 Corinthians 10 the Apostle Paul

writes so if you think you are standing firm be careful that you don't fall

no temptation verse, 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.

Let's pray. We'll ask God's blessing on our understanding if you would join with me.

Loving Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your Word.

Thank you so much for these two verses that we have open before us here today in your Word. Lord we need for you especially with regards to this

particular topic to speak very clearly into our lives.

Lord, would you, when you do speak, not allow any distractions, no drowsiness, heavy eyelids, no sound issues, no distractions at all, so that we can hear very clearly

what it is that your spirit would have to say to this, to us, your church, in Jesus' name. Amen. You can be seated. Thank you.

Today's teaching is part one of a new series I've titled, A Biblical Template for Overcoming Temptation.

The Apostle Paul, beginning here in verse 12, is turning a corner of sorts in the sense that he goes from warning to now exhorting. Up to this

point, he has provided the Corinthians with several warnings in which he's used the

Israelites as an example related to their sinning against God which is what essentially in the end

had disqualified them from entering the promised land.

It's for this reason that Paul, by the Holy Spirit, deems it necessary to explain how it is

that we can take heed to these warnings lest we be met with a similar fate.

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