Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– F.B. Meyer
Memorizing Scripture
The psalmist knew there was real help in memorizing Scripture, as it can help us resist temptation and avoid sin. This is exactly what the psalmist said when he wrote, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). What he was saying was that he stored up the word of God by memorization so that he might not sin against God. It’s a great help to bring a Bible verse up from memory when you’re being tempted. By this, God can provide a way of escape for you.
Not Walking With the Ungodly
If we desire to walk with God or with Christ (Eph. 4), then we must not walk with the ungodly. That doesn’t mean we become a monk and enter a monastery because we must be in the world to earn a living and be witnesses for Christ; however, we are not to be part of the world. The psalmist wrote, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers” (Psalm 1:1). Rather, “his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2). As a result, “he is like a tree planted by streams of water,” and “in all that he does, he prospers” (Psalm 1:3). If we walk in the ungodly counsel of the world, if we stand in the places where sinners stand, and if we sit with scoffers, then our tree’s not planted by a stream but rather in the middle of the desert.
Prayer
We shouldn’t think it strange when we are tempted because “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire” (James 1:14). However, Paul wrote that “no temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13). If there’s a way into temptation, there must be a way out of it, and prayer is vital. Call to God for help because you’re in a spiritual battle–the devil (or demons, more likely), the flesh, and the world–and you’re going to need some backup.
Conclusion
Mr. Meyer’s quote “with every temptation there will be a way of escape” is backed up by Scripture because we can memorize Scripture to keep us out of sin, we can avoid walking with the ungodly but with Christ instead, and we can put everything in prayer. God will “provide the way of escape.”
