Temptations

Temptations

Romans 6:16 "Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living."

Sometimes we face temptations which seem good for the moment, but they only lead to harm and destruction afterwards. Sometimes we face frustration which can lead to actions we regret. Does the grass look greener elsewhere? Am I manipulating circumstances for my will instead of waiting on God?

We may be tempted to stumble just as David did (2 Samuel 11:2-5), but we can also choose to ask the Enemy to flee.

James 4:7-10 "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor."

He lifts us up when we stop fighting for our way and follow the path that leads to life. How great is our God that He would desire to bring us such goodness while we are still being sanctified (made holy).

Jesus was even tempted and said “Get away from Me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to Me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” Matthew 16:23

Remember that temptations are not from God, they are from our own desires. These desires can entice us and drag us away from God’s path. If we do not surrender these thoughts, they lead to sinful actions. If these actions grow, they lead to death. (James 1:13-15)

The Enemy wants to strike us where we are weak, when we are emotionally and physically vulnerable. God’s Word will give us strength. True obedience is seen when the opportunity for disobedience is available and we turn towards God. God wants to bless us as we seek to be wholeheartedly devoted to Him. The Enemy would love for us to turn to our own way of thinking so that he can keep us from the peace we have in Christ.

We are to protect our eyes. Matthew 6:22-23 "Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!

We are to guard our heart. Proverbs 4:23 “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Our heart is to be devoted to God and to the loved ones He has blessed us with.

We are to avoid impurity, greed & vulgarity. Ephesians 5:2-4 “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.”

2 Timothy 4:5 “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”