Addressing Temptation

.... In our times of prayer, after the issues of sin and forgiveness are settled, God wants us to act preemptively in regard to potential sin, to discuss any temptations we may be facing:

.... "And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever."

(Matthew 6:13)

.... First, let’s understand very clearly that temptation is not the same thing as sin. Remember that Jesus Himself was tempted in every way that we are – yet without sinning (Hebrews 4:15). Sin only occurs when we yield to temptation. But on the other hand, God can be highly glorified in our lives when we look to Him in those times of trial, and allow Him to write the character of Jesus in our hearts in order to overcome those trials (1 Peter 1:6-7).

.... Therefore, temptation could be viewed as our battleground: a danger, yes, but also an opportunity for growth if we are learning to trust Jesus – so we must always bring our trials before Him honestly. The whole thrust is that we are asking for His presence in going through a temptation, in order to deliver us from the threat it contains and to change us for His ultimate glory. And He will provide plenty of help along the way to ensure that we do overcome:

.... "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 the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

(1 Corinthians 10:13)

.... In fact, in giving this help, Jesus Himself will be very near to us. This is one of the reasons He endured all those temptations in the first place:

.... "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin."

(Hebrews 4:15)

.... and,

.... "For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted."

(Hebrews 2:18)

.... So, what shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

.... One other, special area of temptation relates to the devil, who is called the tempter. For further information on this perspective, please click on the break-out module entitled Spiritual Warfare Revisited.

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Daily Bible Reading: Acts 25