13a There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man.
What does Paul here mean by the word “temptation”? The Greek word that is used here (peirasmós) can mean either a temptation of sin or a trial. Generally, temptation is an incentive, enticement, or provocation to sin. When afflictions are brought upon us by Satan, he would also attempt to stir within us doubt, impatience, and even apostasy. But as it was in the case of Job, God will use the trial and temptation brought by Satan to prove the faith and fervency of His children.
So often, people try to extenuate their sins by citing the strength of temptations and the weakness of their human nature. They speak as though temptations and trials are expected to get the better of them. But Scripture teaches that such notions are absolutely groundless.
The apostle Paul reminds us that “there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man”. Temptations or trials that we experience have already been experienced by other saints of God, and have been resisted and overcome with God’s help. When God permits the temptations and trials authored by Satan, He wants us to know that with His help we can certainly overcome them. If they were beyond our power to resist, how could they be called temptations or trials?
It is totally absurd to believe that there never was anyone who had faced temptations and trials as you have. It is absolutely wrong to think that there was never a sinner who had been tempted with sins as you have been. Even though your temptation or trial has some peculiarities that warrant others’ sympathy, it should never be thought that no man had ever experienced anything like it. Nothing that is uncommon to man would be permitted in life. So, do not become despondent and yield to the enticements and provocations of your particular temptation.
Remember that so many of God’s saints have been affected by temptations of sin and trials, and have overcome them by trusting in God’s grace, forgiveness, faith and sanctification. Here is your encouragement in the midst of your temptations and trials: thousands and thousands of God’s children have been led safely through their battles by His grace. So, do not give yourself to presumption and despair. Take heart and seek the Lord in prayer, for His wisdom and strength to overcome whatever temptation and trial He has permitted in your life.