Life is full of temptations. We are tempted to do many things from act out on our aggression, lie on our taxes, cheat on spouses, look at adult oriented imagery, have too much alcohol to drink or over eat. Some of these temptations are so a part of our culture that we have accepted them as part of our life and acceptable. But, it isn't about what is culturally acceptable. Culture changes every so often, but God's Word stays the same. That is the measuring stick by which we live life, not what people think we should do or what we think we should do.
In James 1:13-15 we have to recognize that temptation is not coming from God. God doesn't tempt us He directs us. Satan tempts us by what our desires are. I do not have the temptation to get drunk, but someone else does. Others don't have the temptation to over eat or eat the wrong things, but I do. When we give into temptation is when it turns into sin and when sin is full grown it becomes death. Not physical death, but a spiritual one in that area that can spread to other areas of our lives.
How do you fight against the temptation to go against God's will? Well, after recognizing that you are being tempted you can immediately go to God. Ask God to cover and protect you as you face this temptation (Luke 22:40). You don't have to go at it alone. Not only can you talk to God, but you can also tell another believer. Do you have an older person to confide or a friend that also follows Christ? Tell them what you are struggling with. I would hate to struggle in an area and not be able to open up to another believer (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Two people + God = a three fold chord that is not easily broken.
Remember too, that whatever you deal with, is something that someone else has already gone through. Someone else has had the same temptations you have already had (1 Corinthians 10:13). God provides a way out and will not let you be tempted past what you can deal with. Follow His path.
Facing Temptation- Open Bible verses
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Perfect message, one I cannot hear to often. Thank you my brother for sharing His promises!
ReplyDeleteno problem. I also wanted to add a verse I woke up with in my head this morning which is 2 Corinthians 10:5 "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ..." The part that says "take every thought captive to obey Christ" implies the power we have in giving our thought life to Jesus and not trying to will power away our sin.
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