03/06/2020
When we are faced with temptation of any variety we should realize that no one goes through life without being tempted, and not just once, but many times. The question is never one of whether we will be tempted, but rather, how we will face that temptation and overcome it. Jesus teaches us to fortify ourselves within the armory of scripture.
“Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'"”
Matthew 4:7 ESV
I have found it to be true that facing temptation is much like repairing a car that shows signs of having a fault of some sort. If we address a problem with an automobile, or some other machine when we first notice a problem, then we can typically avoid a more costly repair down the road. Temptation is like this, if we don’t allow it to fester and grow within us, and to begin bleeding over into other areas of our life, then it is much easier to deal with, and to resist.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12 ESV
We find strength and nourishment for our faith in the Word of God, and in His Word we also find our defense against temptation. Take the act of forgiveness as an example. When someone harms us in some way how do we handle this? Do we strike back at them seeking revenge?
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."”
Romans 12:19 ESV
No, we shouldn’t seek revenge, but always forgive them...
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Matthew 6:14-15 ESV
On the other hand, if we harm another do we try to ignore it and pretend that it never happened? If we do this then that transgression grows and festers in the one who is harmed, and in us...
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
Proverbs 28:13 ESV
What about lust which is another common temptation? When you feel an attraction for someone other than your spouse, or if you are unmarried and become fixed on someone who is; do you dwell on that rising passion and allow it to grow within you? Do you try to convince yourself that what is wrong is somehow right?
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 ESV
In all these examples we find how to face them successfully in scripture. For each of these temptations we can find our strength to resist in the Word of God, and if the temptation has reached a point wherein it is about to overcome us we also find the door to our escape through prayer.
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
Jesus taught us how to use scripture to resist temptation when He was being tempted by Satan; each of His responses was either a verse of scripture or a reference to one. We can find this same power and strength in God’s Word in our lives. Every one of us knows the temptations that are our own greatest weaknesses, so I recommend that we memorize a key verse, or short passage that we can repeat to ourselves at the moment we first feel temptation. Our struggle against unfaithfulness doesn’t begin with a kiss... it begins with our first thought of that kiss. Strike it at that moment of faint temptation with the sword of God... His Holy Word.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Holy Word that not only teaches us of you, but empowers us against all temptation. Thank you for your Son Jesus who teaches us how to live righteously by the examples He gives us in His life, and to always seek relief from our temptations as He did... in your Word. Thank you Lord for the Holy Spirit who gives us not only the recollection of your Word, but also understanding. We pray Father that in every moment of temptation your Word will jump into our hand like a sword, and allow us to strike it down. Strengthen us Holy Father, and when we find ourselves failing, then provide us with an escape until we find renewed strength in you through your Word. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who rescues us with your Word. Praised be your name for all the sins you have saved us from by the power of your Word in the moment of our temptation. Great are you our defender, and great is your Son Jesus who lived, suffered, died, and was resurrected to defeat sin and death in our lives. All glory is yours Lord, and it is made perfect by your grace that covers us, and transforms us into the image of Jesus. Hear this our prayer that we be fortified in scripture; hear us now, and forevermore as we worship you.
“With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes!”
Psalms 119:10-12 ESV
Rich Forbes