Temptation

Temptation seems to be a normal part of a believer’s life.  We live in a time where sin and temptation seem to dominate our whole society, a society where many seem to call evil, good and good, evil, where deception seems to be the norm.  It seems like lying is accepted as truth and truth is a thing to be mocked and scorned, where it is taught that there are no truths or absolutes but whatever is true for you is true and whatever someone else thinks is true is true for them.  Sin and temptation have always been a part of society but the closer we get to the Lord’s return, the evil one is unleashing his wrath on the believers in the form of sin and temptation.  God’s Word says that the evil one comes but to kill, steal and destroy.

As a believer this is not a time to be complacent, it is a time to stand firm in the faith with the whole armor of God in place, as it says in Ephesians 6:10-18:

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in 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. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 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, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”

The church needs to take a stand and live as redeemed people in a fallen and sin saturated world.  The church needs to be filled with the Holy Spirit’s power so that we can tear down the strongholds of the enemy in communities and towns where we live, resisting temptation and sin.  We need to be set apart from the world and be separate; read what God’s Word says in Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

It is so important that we renew our minds so that we know what the good and perfect and just will of God is, so that we can walk in them.  Read what it says in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18:

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

‘I will dwell in them

And walk among them.

I will be their God,

And they shall be My people.’

Therefore

‘Come out from among them

And be separate, says the Lord.

Do not touch what is unclean,

And I will receive you.

I will be a Father to you,

And you shall be My sons and daughters,

Says the Lord Almighty.’”

Believers need to stand strong, not compromising, but setting an example that others can follow.  We can’t allow ourselves to shrink back but we need to be striving for perfection, resisting the evil one so that he will flee from us.  Think of this, if we don’t stand for something we will fall for anything, so let’s stand and not be moved or give into despair when the temptation comes.  

Jesus was also tempted (tested) but He stood His ground and did not waver, you can read about this in Matthew 4:1-11:

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’

But He answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’

Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:

‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’

and,

‘In their hands they shall bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’

Jesus said to him, ‘It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’

Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.’

Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”

Jesus came back with the Word saying, “it is written!!”  Jesus knew the Word and so should we, so that we will be able to use it when we are tempted.  

I want to wrap this up with this, Psalms 119:9-16,

“How can a young man cleanse his way?

By taking heed according to Your word.

With my whole heart I have sought You;

Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

Your word I have hidden in my heart,

That I might not sin against You.

Blessed are You, O Lord!

Teach me Your statutes.

With my lips I have declared

All the judgments of Your mouth.

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,

As much as in all riches.

I will meditate on Your precepts,

And contemplate Your ways.

I will delight myself in Your statutes;

I will not forget Your word.”

Read, study and memorize the Word.  Enough said, I think you got the point.  I have given you something to think about, I hope it will bless and encourage you.  Have a great day and God bless!!