FIGHT AGAINST TEMPTATION
The Scriptures tell us that we all face temptations. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you other than human." Perhaps this provides some encouragement when we often feel that the world is ruling over us alone, and that others are immune to temptation. We are told that Christ was also tempted: "For we have not a high priest who can not sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who was tempted in all things according to our likeness, but without sin" (Hebrews 4:15).
Where, then, are these temptations coming? In the first place, they do not come from God, although He allows them. James 1:13 says, "God can not be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone." In the first chapter of Job, we see that God allowed Satan to tempt Job, but with restrictions, Satan walks on earth as lion, looking for people to devour (1 Peter 5: 8) Verse 9 tells us to resist, knowing that other Christians are also experiencing their attacks.For these passages we can know that the temptations come from Satan.We see in James 1:14 that temptation originates in us too, we are tempted when we are "taken and seduced by our own lust" (verse 14) .We allow ourselves to think certain thoughts, go places where we should not go and make decisions based on our desires that lead us to the temptation.
EVERY CHRISTIAN MUST LEARN TO OVERCOME TEMPTATION, because we will be tempted. But, by the grace of God, we can overcome temptation. In this lesson we will learn to do this. First, let's answer some questions about sin and temptation.
CAN SATAN OBLIGE US TO SIN? No, it can not. Satan can tempt us to sin, but he can not force us to sin.
IS IT SINNED TO BE TEMPTED? No, it's not. The Lord Jesus was tempted, and we know that he did not sin. The Bible says that He was "tempted in all things according to our likeness, but without sin".
We must understand this point clearly: Temptation is not sin. Satan likes to condemn Christians even when they have not sinned. He likes to make them feel guilty having been tempted by some sin, but being tempted is not a sin.
WHEN DOES SIN ENTER? Sin enters when we say Yes to temptation. We sin when we give in to temptation.
The Bible speaks of some sins that are external, and of other sins that are internal.
By external sins, we mean sins such as cursing, lying, stealing, immorality, drunkenness, murder. No Christian should be guilty of these sins. If these sins still exist in a person's life, there is no evidence that they were born again.
But, sadly, both Christians and non-Christians are guilty of internal sins. By internal sins we mean sins such as pride, jealousy, envy, selfishness, unforgiveness, hatred, greed. These are the secret sins that man's eyes can not see. But God does see them and in His sight they are hateful. We have to learn to triumph over them.
EVERY CHRISTIAN HAS SOME SIN THAT ASSASSED HIM. That is the sin with which you are most tempted. Satan knows your weakest point, and that is where he tempts you the most. To triumph over that sin and the other sins in your life, you must learn to overcome temptation.
HOW DOES GOD FREE US?
God delivers us by giving us Christ. His life overcomes the law of sin and death in us.
Let's think again about the law of gravity. We know that the law of gravity is always working. It keeps us fixed on the earth. We can not fly without a mechanical device.
His life in us overcomes the law of sin and death. (Illustration by Stephen Bates)
But the birds fly. Does this mean that the law of gravity does not affect them? No, the law of gravity drags them down just as it does us. But birds have a kind of life that overcomes the law of gravity. The "law" of a bird's life is to fly.
Now, let's get back to our situation. We have "the law of sin in our members," but we also have Christ living in us, and there is a "law" of His life. The law of life in Christ is to overcome sin. His life always triumphs over sin. And His life in us overcomes the law of sin and death. The Bible says:
KNOW YOUR FACES. Take special care of these areas of your life. One of the best ways to resist a sexual temptation is to run away from it. This is what Joseph did when he was tempted by an evil woman (Genesis, chapter 39).
Speak with God
What is secret fuels temptation. When you are tempted, talk to God honestly about your struggle. It is not right to pretend that you are not being tempted or to deny the attraction of sin.
Rather, tell God the truth about what is happening. No special words are required. It could be as simple as this: "My God, I am being tempted to lash out at my friend. I want to hurt him because I feel he disrespected me and took me for granted. I know perfectly well what to say that will harm him to the fullest. Help me resist. Give me healing words or the power to keep my mouth shut. "
Paul assures us in the first Corinthians, "God is faithful, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can endure. Rather, when temptation comes, he will also give them a way out so that they can resist. "3 God promises a way out of all temptation. Ask him to reveal that way to you.