Bible's View Point: TEMPTATION
Sorry I didn't start this series like I said. Accept my apologies.
Broken marriages, ill health, pangs of conscience - there are just some of the consequences of giving in to temptation. How can we avoid this snare?
What is Temptation?
Temptation is pressure applied to your thinking designed to create wrong emotions which will eventually lead to wrong actions. One is tempted when attracted to something wrong.
To illustrate, while shopping you see a desirable item. The thought flashes into your mind that you could easily steal the item and not get caught. However, your conscience says No! So you dismiss the thought and move on. At that point, the temptation is over and you are the Victor.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS:
When tempted does not mean one is bad. The Bible admits that we all experience temptation.(1 Corinthians 10:3)
What is important is how we act when tempted. Some dwell on the improper desire and sooner or later succumb to it. Others immediately dismiss it as wrong.
"Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire." - James 1:14
Why is it wise to act quickly when tempted?
The Bible reveals the step that leads to wrongdoing James 1:15 says: "The [improper] desire when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin." Simply put, when we ponder on a wrong desire, we get to a point where our actions on it become as inevitable as a pregnant woman giving birth. Yet, we can avoid being slaves o improper desires. We can gain the mastery over them.
HOW THE BIBLE CAN HELP.
Just as our mind can feed on improper desires, so also it can snuff them out. How? By focusing on something else -an activity, a conversation with a friend, or a wholesome thought. (Philippians 4:8) It is helpful to reflect on the repercussion of giving in to temptation, which may be physical, emotional, or spiritual harm. Prayer too can be a big help. Jesus Christ said:" Pray continually, so that you may not enter into temptation." - Mathew 26:41
"Do not be misled. God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a person is sowing this he will also reap."
How can you fortify yourself against temptation?
THE REALITY
See temptation for what it really is - a lure or bait, that lead a foolish, naive, or unwary person into danger. That is especially true of temptations involving sexual immorality, which can have disastrous consequences. - Proverbs 7:22,23.
HOW CAN THE BIBLE HELP:
"If, now, your right eye is making you stumble," said Jesus Christ, "tear it out and throw it away from you." (Mathew 5:29)
Of course, Jesus was not speaking literally! Rather, he meant that if we want to please God and gain everlasting life, we must deaden our body members, as it were, in regard to wrongdoing. (Colossians 3:5) That means absolutely turning our back on Temptation.
Self-control can be difficult. After all, "the flesh is weak." (Mathew 26:41) so we will make mistakes. However when we are truly sorry and try hard not to make a habit of doing wrong, our creator, Jehovah God, "is merciful and compassionate" toward us. (Psalm 103:8)
How reassuring that is!
" If errors were what you watch, O Jah, then who, O Jehovah, could stand?" - Psalm 130:3
"Turn my eyes away from looking at what is worthless," prayed a faithful man of God. - Psalm 119:37
Watch out for the next series.
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bible taught us peace
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