"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." (1 Cor. 10:13)
An intriguing verse to be sure. Many people find comfort in this verse and, while I do as well, I also find responsibility in it.
First, as we grow in intelligence, spiritual strength, and stewardship, we will be exposed to greater temptation.
Second, God will make a way to escape temptation, but we must choose to take it! And note that the escape is such that we may well still bear the temptation, but we will escape from succumbing to it.
Expounding on the First:
When I was baptized at eight years old, I remember having a sense of disappointment thereafter because I didn't notice any mighty change or difference in my day to day life. I expected that, since Satan could tempt me, and that I had the Holy Ghost, I would suddenly become vividly aware of a great war! The idea somewhat excited my eight year old boy imagination. Instead, everything seemed, well, normal!
I suspect that this is largely aligned with this verse in Corinthians. It's as though Satan can only tempt us to the degree we are able to act. For example, he can't tempt you to read something naughty if you don't know how to read. He can try to whisper an evil idea into our minds, but if we are unable to comprehend the concept, there will be no temptation.
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