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Tom
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 10353
| Posted 12/14/2001 9:29 AM (GMT -6) |   | 1Cor 10.13: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it.
This passage has been discussed in relation to the open view before, but I was particularly interested recently in knowing whether or not it might relate directly to our whole discussion of theodicy.
One word first. I translate peirasmos (NIV’s “temptation”) here as “test” or “trial,” which the word is perfectly capable of meaning, which it does many times mean, and which the comparison here to Israel’s wilderness wanderings I think confirms. Besides, it seems patently false that God does not “permit” us to be “tempted” (as defined by James 1.14) beyond our ability. Fact is, we may freely choose our way into addictions which in turn DO overpower our ability to say no.
So, with this in mind, it looks to me that the passage is saying God does not “permit” us to be “tested” beyond our “ability.” It wouldn’t make sense to understand “permit/allow” as a self-limitation on God’s part. The disallowing runs from God to outside himself. On the face of it this appears to being saying that God reins in Satan and evil spirits in their activities. These beings can only go “so far.” This also seems to me to be circumstantial. That is, knowing our “ability” (dunasthei), God disallows whatever circumstances would absolutely overwhelm us.
Question: Is this true? If not, what’t the point of the passage?
Comment: In terms of the structure of the verses, the answer seems to come in what follows: “…but will with every test provide a way of escape.”
Question: Are the two actions on God’s part, viz. “not permitting us to be tested above our ability” and “providing a way of escape,” one and the same? If so, then what do we make of the language “will not permit”? It seems a strange way to describe the “provision” of an escape. If they’re not one and the same, then how are we to understand the former?
I’ve done a rotten job expressing myself here. Any help?
Tom
Edited by - tgb on 12/14/2001 2:37:18 PM | | Back to Top | | |
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Modes of Thought
Registered Member
Date Joined Jun 2001
Total Posts : 817
| Posted 12/14/2001 9:37 AM (GMT -6) | | excellent question, as usual Tom. My guess is that the way of escape is going to end up as mysterious as it starts. It need not mean that we succeed in our pratical estimation but that God wills and empowers us to stand by faith, even if we prove failures at some other level of criterion. The minimum will be that we CAN remain standing in faith (because GOD is faithful). It may be that there is more being promised here but not less. I think the truth of God's strength being manifest (perfected!) in our weakness will be relevant here as well.
There's a start anyway....
"Christianly understood, truth is obviously not to know the truth but to be the truth. Despite all modern philosophy, there is an infinite difference here..." SK | | Back to Top | | |
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pia†desideria
Registered Member
Date Joined Jun 2001
Total Posts : 301
| Posted 12/14/2001 9:41 AM (GMT -6) | | Great question. I don’t have time to venture a response but I just want to say welcome back and sport my new signature.  pia
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The dragon sits by the side of the road, watching those who pass. Beware lest he devour you. We go to the Father of Souls, but it is necessary to pass by the dragon. § St. Cyril of Jerusalem
Edited by - pia†desideria on 12/14/2001 2:43:37 PM | | Back to Top | | |
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