Mike,

This is how I see this promise: all of us are different from one another, therefore a temptation that you are able to bear can be irresistible to me. Therefore, God will not permit that any of us are tempted above that we are able. This means that by depending on God we are able to overcome all temptations that come our path.
But why do we sometimes find a temptation irresistible? Isn't it because our dependence on God sometimes wavers? But, as we learn more and more to depend on Him, don't you find that some temptations you considered irresistible in the past can now be resisted?


"'His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue' (2 Peter 1:3). None of us need excuse our hasty temper, our misshapen characters, our selfishness, envy, jealousy, or any impurity of soul, body, or spirit. . . . {AG 235.3}

"We must learn of Christ. We must know what He is to those He has ransomed. We must realize that through belief in Him it is our privilege to be partakers of the divine nature, and so escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. Then we are cleansed from all sin, all defects of character. We need not retain one sinful propensity. . . . {AG 235.4}

"As we partake of the divine nature, hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong are cut away from the character, and we are made a living power for good. Ever learning of the divine Teacher, daily partaking of His nature, we cooperate with God in overcoming Satan's temptations. God works, and man works, that man may be one with Christ as Christ is one with God. Then we sit together with Christ in heavenly places. The mind rests with peace and assurance in Jesus. . . . In Him there is inexhaustible fullness. . . ." {AG 235.5}

John, it was God who said, "Come now, let us reason together." It seems quite evident that you believe God's promises are true, and yet you also believe they are conditional. What's so conditional about God promising He will not allow the Devil to tempt us beyond His ability to empower us to resist? What does this promise have to do with human effort?

Rosangela, great quotes. Thank you. Yeah, it makes perfect sense that God fulfills His promises in and through us IF we 1) know about them, 2) understand them, and 3) believe them. But even still we fail so often! Why? Are there any promises that indicate we will eventually cease failing? What about this promise:

1 Peter
4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

When is this promise supposed to come true? Can it be true now? Or, is it only true after we live the rest of our time sinning less and less often? If so, then why does it imply the opposite? Why does it say we can live the rest our time doing the will of God instead of sinning?

Also, I am reposting this question:

quote:

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Does God and Satan work together to tempt us in such a way that it helps us grow as Christians? What's in it for the Devil? Besides, aren't we supposed to pray, "Lead us not into temptation"?

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Mike,

The way you are approaching this topic is causing people, such as John, to question where you are coming from, especially here in a public forum setting, therefore, I think it would be wise for you to explain why you are coming across, what seems to be, as a devil's advocate?

I think it would be good to consider the story of Job. God allowed him to be tempted, but he stood fast. Pastor Batchelor said in one of the Prophecy coed meetings "is your Devil stronger than your God?" Meaning, Is the Devil's power to tempt you grater than God's power to help you? Perhaps the main point is we have to reach out an accept God's promisis.

Daryl, even if you assume all of God's promises are true you still have to prove them, don't you?

SC 111, 112
There is an evidence that is open to all,--the most highly educated, and the most illiterate,--the evidence of experience. God invites us to prove for ourselves the reality of His word, the truth of His promises. He bids us "taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8. {SC 111.3}

No, I'm not playing the Devil's Advocate. I really do want to understand this issue more clearly, and questioning my questions isn't helping. Can truth bear the test of scrutiny? Dare we embrace "truth" if it hasn't been tested and proven? The "evidence of experience" is all we can trust.

AA 232
Those who are sincerely seeking for truth will make a careful investigation, in the light of God's word, of the doctrines presented to them. {AA 232.2}

COL 111
But there must be earnest study and close investigation... No halfhearted, indifferent work will avail... Our salvation depends on a knowledge of the truth contained in the Scriptures. {COL 111.2, 3}

Dave, what determines whether or not a certain promise in the Bible is valid? What do you base it on? Is believing it is true enough to prove it is true? Or, must we put it to the test, to taste and see if it is so? Without evidence or proof a promise is just so many words. Is there any evidence that proves God will not allow us to be tempted above His ability to empower us to resist?

1. I don't believe that God is a liar and

2. I don't think the devil has more power than God.

Okay. Maybe that works for you, but what about others? Is there any evidence that God will not allow us to be tempted above His ability to empower us to resist? besides your personal testimony?