Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.~James 1:3
Temptation is an attraction for… or a desire to do something—especially something wrong or unwise. No one can say… they have never been tempted. Biblically speaking, 1 John 1:8-9 tells us that when we say… we have no iniquity—we deceive ourselves. Yet, when we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our faults and to purify us from our unrighteousness.
Battling temptation is familiar to most Christians. Although, we’ve been set free from the wages of sin, it doesn’t mean we live without struggling against sin. However, it does mean that we know when to repent. Because we recognize:
- We have a real enemy that seeks to destroy us… So, we must be sober and vigilant (1 Peter 5:8).
- We are not alone in our temptation–no matter whatever it is–others are struggling too…. For temptations are common to men and women (1 Corinthians 10:13).
- We are able to resist temptation and obey God… When we keep our mind stayed upon Him (Romans 8:5; James 4:7).
- We must examine our temptations and struggle against wrong tendencies… Therefore, provisions to do wrong are not made (Romans 13:14; Ephesians 6:11).
- We continuously pray for God’s help… Being watchful to avoid temptations (Matthew 26:41).
Remember, Jesus realized that His disciples weren’t able to fight temptations on their own. So, He urged them to appeal to God in prayer. For God is our defense against all temptation. God has absolute control and can guide us through every deceitful situation. Trusting that God hears us… we know that His power can deliver us according to Matthew 6:13.
Also, Hebrews 2:18 tells us that Jesus understands and is able to deliver us when we’re being tempted. Therefore, we must not fear temptation… though we must flee it. For it is in the struggle, where we learn how to be strong.
God Bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.
