Temptations

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience, And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10-13

Temptations are inevitable and God knows that we are weak when we are confronted with this. The temptation itself is not a sin so we need to get the upper hand on the temptation knowing that if we don't it will lead to sin. We can't do this in our own strength, but God can by His superior power.

We need to do our part and quit blaming others for our temptations. Others might tempt us, but ultimately it comes from our own desires. We make excuses and fool ourselves into thinking just a little sin is ok. As we make this excuse we fall deeper into sin until we are consumed by it. We know that we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures, but we don't always do this. Sometimes we refuse to do what is right because we are focused on what brings us pleasure instead of what would please God.

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. these desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death - James 1:14-15. Most of us have a passion for food but when we indulge in it too much it leads to gluttony. Guess what gluttony leads to? You guessed it. It often leads to diabetes, high cholesterol, and eventually a heart attack. Alcohol is something that people will use as an excuse to relax after a hard days work and they love that feeling of rest. When consumed more and more it can be used to numb the pain and some love this feeling as well because they don't have to feel anything. Before you know it the liver is destroyed and the diagnosis of sclerosis takes your life.

Drugs can make people feel like they are on top of the world, but this is the wrong kind of high! You feel like you can conquer anything at first, but then the addiction takes over. What comes next? The diagnosis of hep-c, overdose, or suicide.

The fact is we love something that we know will destroy us, but we do it anyway. When we love something we don't want to let it go. I still smoke cigarettes and I know I could die of cancer. This is insane! I am trying to quit and as I write to you this is for me as well. Sorry I got a little side tracked, but this verse really made me stop and think. I hope it does the same for you. The question you need to ask yourself is this. What do you love more than your temptations? Our answer should be we love God so much more!

Now if you will take the time to read Matthew chapter 4:1-11 there are three key factors that reveal how Jesus defeated the devil. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted. He fasted and defeated the devil by responding with Scripture. This is how we can also fight against temptation. We need to be led by the Holy Spirit, fast, and use the word of God to fight against the devil. Here is some wise advice that was given to me. If we pictured Jesus next to us we wouldn't give in to our temptation. So, the next time you are tempted picture Jesus standing between you and the temptation assuring you He is strengthening and enabling you so you are capable of walking away from the temptation that leads to sin.