We all face temptations everyday. It is what we do when we face these temptations that makes a difference. God tells us that we aren't facing anything that our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ don't face everyday. We cannot even go out of our house without seeing billboards showing women dressed in little or nothing or men dressed the same. We see food that isn't healthy for us, or new cars that we don't really need. There is always something that tempts us and how are we suppose to handle these temptations?
First of all, we know that man is tempted by his or her desire for something. It might look good or feel good, so we succumb to the temptation. All of us are tempted by sin everyday and we need to run from it.
1Corinthians; 10:13
(No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.)
When we are faced with that temptation, we need to be looking for the way out. God says He has given us a way of escape.
You may think that you are totally in control of yourself at all times, but the best of men and women have fallen into sin because they thought they were in control. We don't battle against normal forces as you may think.
Ephesians; 6:12
(For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly places.)
Coping with deceptive temptation requires truth and righteousness. If you go into the battle unprepared, you will lose every time. We need to rely on God's power to win, not our power.
Ephesians; 6:10-11
(Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.)
Why are we tempted and who tempts us?
James; 1:14-15
(But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it give birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death.)
So we bring this temptation up on our self. Now we know why we are tempted. We need to be on our guard at all times.
1Peter; 5:8-9
(Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.)
We have a powerful enemy, and we need to stand strong in our faith in Jesus. Jesus will win every time for us.
Philippians; 4:13
(I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.)
What do we gain if we are able to make it through the temptation staying true to God?
James; 1:12
(Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him.)
The believer has successfully gone through the trials and come out victorious because his faith has endured. Jesus went through life without sin and has overcome the world and we can rest in Him.
John; 16:33
(These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.")
Keep focused on Jesus to get through all of life's trials. He is the only way to have victory against temptation.
God Bless You!
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