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Among the various extenuations of sin, none is more common than that, considering the weakness of human nature and the strength of some temptations, it is not to be expected that we should get the better of them. But how groundless this is the text may inform us. Let me —

I. EXPLAIN AND STATE THIS TRUTH. Observe —

1. That the apostle is not speaking of the powers of mere human nature, but of human nature Divinely assisted.

2. That he does not affirm that the measure of Divine grace shall be such as to enable us so to baffle all temptations, as to live perfectly sinless, but only that we shall be preserved from falling into such sins as to throw us out of the favour of God.

3. That the supernatural assistance which enables us to resist temptations, supposes our use of means and our concurrence with it to the best of our power.

II. CONFIRM THIS BY VARIOUS WAYS OF POOOF.

1. By experience. There is no temptation but what hath been actually withstood by holy men and women, and what hath been already done may be repeated.

2. By reason. They who say any temptation is not to be conquered speak absurdly and inconsistently. For —

(1) A temptation is an experiment, a trial, whether we will do or forbear such a thing; and therefore it supposes it to be in our power to do or forbear, else it were no trial.

(2) What is grace but an extraordinary supply of strength to resist temptations? And therefore, if it be not now equal to every temptation, the grace of God has been given us in vain.

(3) Is not man by nature a free agent? But if there be any such things as inducements to sin that are altogether insuperable, there is an end of his boasted freedom. The great end of man is to glorify God by living according to the perfect rule of right reason and virtue; and yet impossible it is that he should ever attain this end while he converses with temptations which he cannot surmount. Now all other beings have powers that enable them to fulfil the design of their creation. Is man alone utterly destitute of these powers?

(4) Consider the nature and perfections of God.

(a) How can He be holy, who is the author of sin? And how can He but be the author of sin who hath so adapted us that it is impossible for us to withstand the force of them?

(b) How can He be said to be just who places us under irresistible temptations; and yet, as He Himself assures us, will punish us for not resisting them?

(c) Again, how can He be true? His promises are most express and full (2 Corinthians 12:9; Romans 8:37; Numbers 23:19; Romans 3:4).

III. APPLICATION.

1. There is matter of encouragement arising from hence to the good (Psalm 112:7, 8). Is not He that is with you stronger than he that is against you? And hath He not promised that His strength shall support your weakness?

2. Here is ample matter of reproof to the hypocrite and the profane person. Let them not indulge the hope that in this thing the Lord will pardon His servant (2 Kings 5:18), and that one small fault will be overlooked among a crowd of other good qualities.

3. Wherefore, laying aside shifts and excuses, let us set ourselves in good earnest to resist all temptations; let us put out all the strength which we naturally have to this purpose, and beg of God supernaturally to supply us with what we have not.

(Bp. Atterbury.)

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KJV: 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.

WEB: No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.