Although God does not tempt any man, yet He is faithful and will not suffer anyone to be tempted more than they can take “but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it”. (James 1:13; 1 Corinthians 10:13). Thus, steadfastness with God and commitment to service during temptations is a path to spiritual maturity.
Jesus was steadfast with God and overcame the temptation by the devil in the wilderness. He also demonstrated similar spiritual maturity when facing the temptation of death, where he prayed at the mount of Olives, saying, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 22:42).
God’s ministers have “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” as treasure in our “earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7). So that Spiritual maturity when faced with temptation will require Ministers to focus on this knowledge of the Glory of God – the excellency of the power of God – which has been demonstrated in Jesus.
The Apostle Paul focussed on this glory of God through manifold trials and temptations throughout his ministry. (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-27; Acts 18:9-10). In one instance, despite the warning that affliction would befall him in Jerusalem Paul determinedly set sail for Jerusalem. (Acts 20:22-24; Acts 21:10-13). He said of the trials, “none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God”. In fact, he declared that he was ready both to be bound and to to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 20:24 & 21:13)
As a Minister who was spiritually matured in the ways of God, Paul knew to count all reproach and suffering because his labour by trusting in the living God who is the saviour of all men. (see 1Timothy 4:9-10)
