Temptations are everywhere. Everyday we face different types of temptations to sin. There are temptations that are really difficult for each one of us to resist. We want so much to please God and live right, so He can find us worthy to trust His work and gifts into our hands. We want to be known in public and private as true children of God. Therefore when these temptations overcome us and we fall, we start condemning ourselves, with some refusing to move from there.
Some sins that are most addictive for different humans are easily recognizable because we’ve all faced them: overt alcohol consumption, gambling, gluttonous eating, sexual immorality, inability to control our anger, etc. One thing we must remember is that we were not told that we’d no longer face temptations as Christians. In fact, sometimes, it does seem the temptations seem more compelling. Just as a fisherman uses his most attractive bait to induce the fish to strike, so Satan tempts us by means of those things that are, to us, most desirable. A number of biblical facts to consider as we ponder this topic:
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8
“I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 7: 21 – 25, Romans 8:1
“Let no man say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted of God;’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He himself tempteth no man: but each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is full grown, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15
To overcome, always remember the Word is our weapon, meditate on it always, so you will be able to bring it to remembrance when faced with danger, as temptations truly are:
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” Ephesians 6: 10 – 18
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:5
“And if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell. And if thy right hand causeth thee to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body go into hell.” Matthew 5:29-30
In concluding, the following seen on a post (Knollwood Church), accurately captures:
Normal desire is not sinful. When desire gets out of bounds (lust), continues unrestrained (evil thoughts not brought into captivity), and begs for satisfaction, sin has begun in the individual’s heart (Matthew 15:18-19). It will press its possessor into a course of action, the design of which is to achieve satisfaction. Now we have progressed to the overt practice of the sin. The end is spiritual death (Romans 6:23). Let us take comfort in God’s promise, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) Let us prepare ourselves to seek the way of escape, for indeed Satan is a formidable foe.
Satan is ever busy seeking ways to tempt us to violate God’s divine will. His word plainly tells us how Satan works and what his purposes are. God’s wonderful promise assures us that Satan cannot force us to yield to the temptation; we can resist and say NO! No matter what one’s weakness might be, God will be faithful to His word and provide a means of escape so he can bear it. Keep your eyes open to see the path and do not reject it. Such a choice will end in failure to resist the temptation. We will be tempted, but we can overcome if we take the right path.
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